Sprague Lake group plans trout derby

The Sprague Lake Users Group (SLUG) is hosting the first annual Sprague Lake Trout Derby and Fishermen’s breakfast on June 9, from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. Cabela’s and Wholesale Sports are co-sponsors for the event and it is being held during free fishing weekend in Washington State.

The Sprague volunteer firefighters from Fire District No. 1 are hosting the fishermen’s breakfast the day of the derby from 5 a.m. until 12 p.m. Anyone is welcome and all proceeds support the local fire district.

The fishermen’s breakfast is held in the Sprague Community Center, located at 213 S. C Street in Sprague, next to the fire station.

Entry fees for the event are $7 for adults and $5 for “young anglers,” age 16 or under. Tickets are available the day of the derby at the Main Derby Station and at the Four Seasons Resort. Contact the Main Derby Station at 509-259-7060 or the Four Seasons Resort at 509-257-2332.

The derby rules for the event are that only fish caught between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. count, all weigh-ins must be in line before 6 p.m. at the Main Derby Station to be qualified, all prizes are awarded at the event and that fishermen should be respectful of each other.

All state Fish and Wildlife daily catch and size regulations must be followed at the event. Fish and Wildlife officers are attending the event and are to be present both on and off the lake. Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department is patrolling the lake for safety and emergency response needs.

SLUG members are requesting that all boat owners carefully inspect boats for invasive species and foreign matter prior to the launch. Boat owners are also reminded to have all required safety gear onboard and handy at all times.

Participants are also asked to respect the private property owner boat launches and facilities.

Resorts and private property boat launches are not responsible for accidents, injuries or thefts during the event.

Visitors and participants for the event are asked to park vehicles thoughtfully in order to allow space for Emergency Response access. Participants should also be aware of fishermen around them and ensure the safety of both themselves and others in the area.

The SLUG members are selling hot dogs, chips and sodas near the Main Derby Station throughout the day.

To qualify for prizes, the individual must have a derby ticket. The prize presentation immediately follows the conclusion of the weigh-in at the Main Derby Station.

The first place prize is gift cards and merchandise totaling $500, second place is gift cards and merchandise totaling $100 and third place is gift cards and merchandise totaling $50. Additional merchandise is raffled off after the presentation of the top prizes and an individual must be present to win.

The Four Seasons Campground and Resort has services for camping, boat rentals, boat launch, docks and tackle shop, as well as having derby tickets available for purchase.

There are no refunds for the event after 6 a.m. on June 9.

The Sprague Lake Resort has camping, boat rental, boat launch, docks and tackle shop services available. The Main Derby Station is located on the east side of the lake, just outside of the main gates for the Sprague Lake Resort.

Contact the Sprague Lake Resort at 509-257-2864 for more information.