SOUTH BEND – South Bend and the Willapa Harbor Lions Club are hosting their annual Salmon Derby in conjunction with the Come and Play on Labor Day celebration, which has been a South Bend tradition since the early part of the last century.

The Salmon Derby is being conducted on Saturday, Aug. 30, and Sunday, Aug. 31. Anglers may enter for one or both days. It will be accessible for both bank and boat anglers. Derby tickets cost $10 each day per angler. First prize on each day will receive a $200 cash award. Winners will be determined by largest single fish weight with ties being determined by length.

A grand prize will be awarded to the angler with the largest combined two-day entry (one salmon per day). The prize will be an additional $250 cash award. There will also be prizes that have been donated by the Raymond Dennis Company, Englund Marine, Fisheries Supply and West Marine. All fish must be brought to South Bend for weigh-in before 6 p.m. each day. Derby fish must be caught in Willapa Bay, Marine Area 2-1, and its tributaries, including the Willapa River. Launch facilities exist in Raymond, South Bend, and Tokeland. Limited boat moorage is available in Tokeland, South Bend, and Raymond.

Willapa Bay is a unique fishery with large numbers of salmon being concentrated in shallow bay and river channels. The Labor Day weekend historically marks the peak of the Chinook run with numerous big kings available. The bay is sheltered and can easily be fished from a modest sized sport boat. Additionally, bank fishing and small boat fishing is available on the Willapa River.

Fishing tackle and bait is available locally at Dennis Company, Bud’s Lumber, The Inn Food Mart, and the Tokeland Marina. Derby tickets are being sold at various local businesses until Friday evening Aug. 29. Pre-purchased tickets are available locally in Raymond at Dennis Company and Vetters Animal Hospital; in South Bend at Bud’s Lumber Company and First American Title; and at the Tokeland Marina.

On the days of the derby, tickets will only be available from 5 to 9 a.m. at the Tokeland Marina, South Bend Boat Launch, and the Boat Launch at the Raymond Eighth Street Park. Tickets must be purchased prior to starting fishing for the day. For additional information, contact Lisa Reidinger at (360) 875-5592. Some of the happenings at the festival include: Live music, great food, sidewalk vendors, pole walk, parade at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 31, museum exhibits, duck race, 10K run, karaoke, fireworks display over the water…and much more.