Quincy trout derby tomorrow

The third annual trout derby is scheduled to take place on Burke Lake tomorrow. The lake will be stocked with around 100 trout in the 14- to 18-inch range, plus 35 fish weighing 6 to 7 pounds.

The registration fee is $20 per adult, identified as 16 years old and older. Also those participants 15 and under will pay a $10 registration fee.

If the fee seems a bit high, the rewards may be higher. There are special tagged trout worth $1,000 and $2,000.

At this late date, participants may register no later than 9 a.m. tomorrow at the site of the derby.

Directions to the derby: From Hwy 28 west of Quincy, near mile post 25, go south on White Trail Road, also known as Rd U NW. Go about five miles to the entrance to the Quincy Lakes area on the right.

From Hwy 281, about halfway between Quincy and George, turn west on White Trail Road, also known as Road 5, at Colockum Ridge Golf Course to the entrance to the Quincy Lakes area on the left side of the road. When entering the Quincy Lakes area, it is about 2 miles to the end of Burke Lake.

The angler catching the $1000 or $2000 fish will be paid by check according to insurance company policies. All other prizes will be awarded on the same day of the catch and void after June 30, 2013.

If the $1,000 or $2,000 prize fish are not caught during the Derby, they will be worth $250 and $500 respectively through June 30, 2013

Lakes open today, March 1

The following lakes open today in Grant Coutny: Caliche, Cascade, Crystal, Cup, Dot, Dusty, George, Lenice, Lenore, Martha, Merry, Nunnally and Quincy lakes. Be sure and check the fishing regulations before wetting a line, as these lakes have varied regulations.

Fish and Wildlife provided the following fishing prospect for Martha Lake, which we consider to be the most popular: "This relatively small lake right along I-90 and just east of the town of George is 28 acres in size and one of the most popular early opening day lakes. Martha Lake is open from March 1 through July 31. This lake was rehabilitated in 2010 to remove nuisance fish species that affect trout survival. It annually receives a spring rainbow trout fry plant of around 9,000.

"Early season limits should be plentiful, but the fishery only lasts a month or so. Vehicle parking, boat launching, and toilet facilities are available at Martha Lake. Rainbow trout are in the lake and the prospects are considered excellent."

The weather forecast, projecting out nine and 10 days, indicates the Friday, March 1, high will be 51 and the low 34, with a Saturday high of 52 and a low of 33. Great news, both daytime and nighttime temperatures should be above freezing.

Garnet and I may be camping at the lake on Feb. 28 and March 1, but if we don't get the camper out of hibernation in time, we will make a day visit for sure.

Commission seeks candidates for disabilities advisory committee

The Fish and Wildlife Commission is seeking applicants to fill three vacancies on its advisory committee for persons with disabilities.

The seven-member committee advises the commission on issues of concern for hunters and fishers with disabilities, including special hunts, modified sporting equipment, access to public land and recreational opportunities.

The vacant positions represent Fish and Wildlife Region 2, which includes Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan counties. Plus other parts of the state, other counties in the state, plus an at-large position.

Members serve four-year terms and are required to attend advisory committee meetings held at least twice each year. Members serve without compensation, but receive reimbursement for travel expenses.

To receive consideration, applications must be submitted by March 10 to Dolores Noyes, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, 600 Capitol Way N., Olympia, WA 98501-1091.