Tourism group sponsors Quincy trout derby
Jim Carroll, winner of the Quincy Valley Tourism Association's 2011 trout derby, shows off his winning fish at Burke Lake. The 2013 trout derby is scheduled for Saturday at sunrise.
QUINCY - Fishing enthusiasts can try their luck this weekend at the Quincy Valley Tourism Association's trout derby on Burke Lake.
The derby kicks off Saturday at sunrise.
Participants of this year's derby will have the chance to catch one of two tagged trout, worth $1,000 and $2,000 respectively, according to organizers. The lake will also be stocked with about 100 trout that are 14 to 18 inches long and about 35 fish that are 6 to 7 pounds.
Cash prizes will be awarded for the largest fish and heaviest catch in both the adult and youth divisions, according to derby organizers.
Karen Vizena, Quincy Valley Chamber of Commerce director, said the derby is held each year as a fundraiser for the organization. The tourism association is a subcommittee of the Quincy chamber, she said.
About 500 people attended last year's derby, she said.
"Last year one of the tagged fish worth $2,000 was caught, so it can happen," said Vizena.
She said prizes from some of the event's sponsors will also be raffled during the derby this year. High Mountain Supply in Moses Lake, Quincy Hardware and Hooked on Toys in Wenatchee have all donated various items for the raffle drawing, said Vizena.
Participants can register at the lake the day of the derby, but they must be registered by 9 a.m. Poles must be out of the water around 12:45 p.m., she said, when organizers start weighing fish.
Registration fees are $20 per licensed adult age 16 and older and $10 per child age 15 and younger, said Vizena.
Directions to Burke Lake
- From state Route 28 west of Quincy go south on White Trail Road, also known as Road U Northwest, near mile post 25 and drive about five miles to the entrance of the Quincy Lakes area on the right.
- From state Route 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 of the Quincy Lakes area on the left side of the road.
When entering the Quincy Lakes area, it is about two miles to the end of Burke Lake.