By Chris Gadsden

The annual Boxing Day Steelhead Derby held on the Chilliwack/Vedder turned out to be a very unproductive fish wise for the 366 anglers who turned out for the annual event sponsored by the Chilliwack Fish and Game Protective Association.

This year's derby results for both anglers participating and fish caught was down on both counts as last years derby saw 450 anglers enter 33 steelhead, a near record catch in recent derby history.

The fishers were greeted by ideal fishing conditions but found the steelhead hard to find,which was not all that surprising as the fishing had been very poor during the early part of the steelhead season leading up to the derby.

At the derby deadline of 2 o'clock the 336 avid steelhead anglers were able to bring only 7 steelhead to the weigh scales with Randy Kedrick of Port Moody being the 2002 Kingfisher and capturing the much coveted Ferguson and Furnell Trophy. Kedrick who was fishing with 4 fellow fishers hit his winning steelhead around 9:30 a.m. and said he caught it on a "Campbell River Special". Kedrick fishing in the derby for the sixth time saw his 12-pound, 9-ounce doe only 4 ounces heavier than second place finisher Abbotsford resident David MacLeod's 12-pound, 5-ounce steelhead.

The only two Chilliwack residents to capture a major prize were Darryl Imanse who finished in third place with his 11-pound, 12 ounce fish and followed by a 11-pound, 9-ouncer caught by Tim Thornton that gave him fourth spot.

Richard Arita of Burnaby took fifth place with a 9-pound, 6-ounce steelhead. The smallest fish a 5-pound, 7 ouncer was landed by Matt Moore. The final prize was for the first fish weighed in saw Leaman Bourgaize from Abbotsford catch his steelhead at first light and then got it to the weigh in station by 7:57 a.m.

Proceeds realized from the derby go to on going fish enhancement programs on the Chilliwack/Vedder River.