If you aren't aware, there is a salmon derby to be held this weekend in Willapa Bay on Sat. and Sunday. Following are the details.

Salmon Derby will be held on Willapa Bay Marine unit 2-1. Derby times are Sat, Sept 1 and Sun, Sept 2 from daybreak until 5:30 pm Salmon can be wieghed in at he South Bend city boat docks from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00p.m. each evening. Prizes will be awarded immediately following. Entry fee of $10 per day/per angler. 100% of the entry fee pool will be awarded immediately afterward as prizes. Cash prizes include a daily first prize equal to 50% of each day's total entry fees. A cash grand prize equal to the remaining 50% of both day's entry fees plus an additional $750 will be awarded for the largest two day combined catch. Addtional daily prizes for second, third and youth divisions will be awarded.
Tickets are available at: Dennis Company, Raymond, Pacific County Properties, South Bend, Vetter's Animal Hospital, South Bend, Bud's Lumber, South Bend. Entry tickets will be sold at the South Bend boat docks and Tokeland Marina on mornings of the derby.
For additional info contact David Lewis at 360-942-4532 or Beth Oman (for lodging info) at 360 875-5900.

What were the derby results?

Fishing was spotty all weekend. The largest king (dressed out for weigh-in) was an 18 lb. fish on Sat. Sunday was taken by a fish dressed and wieghed at 16.7 pounds. The overall winner brought in a fish each day with a total of 28.4 pounds. Overall a slow weekend with an average amount of effort...maybe 50-60 boats on the lower bay on Sun. Tangle net test (release)fishing going on this week. Regular nets go in on the 8th...not sure of duration.

Hey Chuck N Duck are you sure about the 8th for the regular nets? I heard it was the 16th. I am planning a visitand want to have a shot at some fresh fish if possible and I know not too many get past those nets when they are strung out in SB.

thanks

Never fished Willapa Bay but always wanted to try it... will a 12' Aluminum boat work? Where's the best place to launch? (You can always tell a new guy)

I won't ask what the best setup for fishing that bay is.....><>

You can find the net schedule on www.wa.gov/wdfw/fishcorn. I have observed smaller boats out in the bay, they don't seem to have a problem and you can always head in if it gets a little choppy. I have lanched at South Bend just outside of town and at the mouth of Smith creek near North river.the Smith ck launch allows me a quicker exit if it gets nasty in the bay.
We have used plugged bait with a flasher. Give me an E-mail address for more info. Good Luck!

Sorry, go to the Washington State dept F&W
and you will find it under commerical fishery, that is where I located the information.