LONGVIEW — For those putting off restocking their tackle boxes, don’t wait much longer. The state’s annual trout derby kicks off Saturday.
The event is run by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, which announced in a press release that it has stocked more than 100 lakes in Washington, including more than a dozen in Southwest Washington, with trout. Fish that are part of the contest will have a yellow tag attached near the fin.
Anyone with a valid 2024 fishing license is eligible to enter the derby, which offers 800 prizes worth a combined $42,000. There is no entrance fee or registration. To enter, simply catch a tagged fish at a participating lake and fill out the form on the WDFW derby webpage. The event will run Saturday through Oct. 31.
The following area lakes are part of the contest:
- Battle Ground Lake, Klineline Pond, and Lacamas Lake in Clark County
- Carlisle Lake, Fort Borst Park Pond, Mineral Lake, and South Lewis County Park Pond in Lewis County
- Horseshoe Lake, Kress Lake, and Lake Sacajawea in Cowlitz County
- Rowland Lake and Spearfish Lake in Klickitat County
- Icehouse Lake and Swift Power Canal in Skamania County.
