Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum
Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: Dave on November 28, 2014, 12:56:36 PM
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Dec 1st marks the first day of the 15th annual Wally Hall Jr. Memorial Steelhead Derby on the Chilliwack-Vedder River system. Wally Hall Jr was an avid Vedder River steelheader and died far too young. His father, Wallace Hall Sr, wanted to create a memorial for his son, something that involved the C-V system as that is what his son loved; hence this event. Although I'm not generally a proponent of fishing derbies, I fully support this one as it has morphed into something that could be very beneficial to the future salmonid populations in the C-V .
Wally Hall Sr, Fred Helmer Jr and I are working together to make this 2014-2015 derby better and are committed to make this event a legacy to future salmonid enhancement on the C-V. This year the entry fee is $20 which puts you in a derby that offers $1000.00 to the winner, a whole bunch of $100 hidden weight prizes, awesome other prizes (as previous attendees will attest to!!) and door prizes including a custom built Sage gear rod from yours truly, and much, much more.
Your $20 gets you a quality buffet lunch on Derby wrap up day but, best of all …. at least $10, perhaps and hopefully more of that entry fee (depending on corporate sponsors who may get involved), will go to a dedicated fund to enhance salmonids on the C-V.
The money from last year's derby dedicated to future enhancement work is app. 3k; along with that is a further 3k donated to this fund from the now defunct Chilliwack River Action Committee. In past years app 500 anglers have entered this derby so that means a minimum of 5 k will most likely be generated. This money will be held and administered by the Fraser Valley Watersheds Coalition, http://fvwc.ca/ a group with strong ties to DFO’s Habitat Restoration program, and a group with a proven track record of successful grant applications and securing and leveraging relatively small amounts of money into meaningful projects.
So, if you fish the C-V, enter at Fred’s and put that $20 to a good cause ;)
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Looks good Dave! Fred and I had a chat about this a few weeks ago before he went on holiday, I'll be working hard with him to promote this. :)
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Nice to see some of the money going back into the river.
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Looks good Dave! Fred and I had a chat about this a few weeks ago before he went on holiday, I'll be working hard with him to promote this. :)
Excellent! I believe this has great potential for much needed enhancement projects on our local river ... a few corporate sponsors could make this work, and that is where the FVWC really shines when it comes to grant applications.
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Any consideration of projects to stabilize the banks at the major slides? Seems like the number of fishable days has been shrinking every year. This also results in even more crowding in the (upper) upper river.
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Any consideration of projects to stabilize the banks at the major slides? Seems like the number of fishable days has been shrinking every year. This also results in even more crowding in the (upper) upper river.
I doubt more money will be spent on trying to resolve these clay bank issues. CRAC spent years and hundreds of thousands of dollars trying to repair these slides, with very limited results. DFO engineers want nothing to do with this, and short of rip rapping the entire section of river that is comprised of clay, I don't think there is much that can be done, or will be attempted.
I expect the money generated from this derby will be put into much needed maintenance of the existing off channel spawning and rearing areas, along with strategic spawning gravel placements.
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I will be entering again this yr as I have for many yrs and hopefully many more yrs to come. It's a great cause! So pumped for a brand new steelhead season on a awesome river! Thank you to everyone involved. Tight lines
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sounds great always nice to help a good cause and get a days fishing in at the same time
my question is where/how do you weigh in?
if its based on weight i guess its not a c&r tourney?
is there a page with more info?
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sounds great always nice to help a good cause and get a days fishing in at the same time
my question is where/how do you weigh in?
if its based on weight i guess its not a c&r tourney?
is there a page with more info?
try navigating around this site
http://www.fredscustomtackle.com/Fishing-Report_ep_77.html
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I will enter this year for the first time. Its good to know the $$$ will be well spent. Now I just gotta catch a hatch to enter. The first steel I caught was a hatch a couple years ago. The handful I have had since have all been wild.
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Good to see Chris. And yes good to know some of the money will be put back into the river.
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I'm in. Heck I might even catch a steelie this winter...either way time on the CV is awesome fish or not!!
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sounds great always nice to help a good cause and get a days fishing in at the same time
my question is where/how do you weigh in?
if its based on weight i guess its not a c&r tourney?
is there a page with more info?
You just head to freds and weigh your fish there. Wild fish don't count for the derby, but they do put new found energy to the icy hands so you can go out and catch a slab of a hatch
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Bump! Derby has started this morning! :)
Make sure you get your ticket at the store before you start fishing if you want to be in it.
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Bump! Derby has started this morning! :)
Make sure you get your ticket at the store before you start fishing if you want to be in it.
I think you have to have bought your ticket 24 hours before you can weigh a fish in, the reason is obvious.
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Do you really think steelheaders would cheat ;D Good point Chris, best to have entered beforehand to ensure no possible problems.
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I have been asked a few times how the administration fee charged by the FVWC works and why it is necessary ... here is their response
"We apply a charitable/not for profit industry-average fee of 15% from grants and revenue towards the administration of the FVWC to work towards our mandate of healthy watersheds and healthy communities. This administration fee enables our organization to cover necessary costs such as bookkeeping, appropriate insurance coverage, banking, required permits, filing appropriate yearly permit reports and charity returns to the CRA and general overhead costs. These are required for the FVWC to maintain its’ charitable status, stay operational and continue to maintain its effectiveness and long-term ability to support Fraser Valley communities."
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I'm in. Heck I might even catch a steelie this winter...either way time on the CV is awesome fish or not!!
X2 ;D ;D
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https://www.facebook.com/fredscustomtackle/posts/730571917032109
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https://www.facebook.com/fredscustomtackle/posts/730571917032109
The first fish weighed in yesterday earned the angler, Dan Ryan, $50 ... he promptly donated that money back to the conservation side of this derby. Well done Dan :D
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I too will be donating any cash prize i win back to the derby this year, even IF I get the 1000 bucks. It just feels like the right thing to do.
The river provides me with all my fun when needed.. it is the least that I can do.
Props to Dan for hopefully starting a trend.
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The first fish weighed in yesterday earned the angler, Dan Ryan, $50 ... he promptly donated that money back to the conservation side of this derby. Well done Dan :D
The derby has been on for 16 days and the first fish was weighed in yesterday?!?
What am I missing? Should there even be a derby if there are so few fish being caught (are there many fish in the system this year)? I realize not everyone steelheading will be in the derby, but this seems odd.
Have yet to catch my first Steelhead on the Vedder, but am hoping to change that next week. Not overly optimistic, but will be nice to stalk the river for a while and get some much needed fresh air.
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The river was not fishable for the most of those 16 days.
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The river was not fishable for the most of those 16 days.
Ah that makes sense. Crazy weather lately. A week left on my project so getting outside to see for myself has been a bit of a challenge.
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Ah that makes sense. Crazy weather lately. A week left on my project so getting outside to see for myself has been a bit of a challenge.
I was just gonna say, "Are you serious??" Practically every river in the LML was blown out for weeks, where have you been?? Kudos to the guys that actually ventured out and caught a couple cause I'd be pretty desperate to fish the Vedder at the moment even if it's even slightly fishable!
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I was just gonna say, "Are you serious??" Practically every river in the LML was blown out for weeks, where have you been?? Kudos to the guys that actually ventured out and caught a couple cause I'd be pretty desperate to fish the Vedder at the moment even if it's even slightly fishable!
I was getting a bit anxious to get out as I picked up a new-to-me 3106 close to a month ago that I have not had the chance to get wet yet. Thanks for reminding me that I didn't miss much!
Looking forward to getting out next week if it gets a bit clearer/safer. Definitely going to enter the derby if only to support the cause.
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The derby has been on for 16 days and the first fish was weighed in yesterday?!?
What am I missing? Should there even be a derby if there are so few fish being caught (are there many fish in the system this year)? I realize not everyone steelheading will be in the derby, but this seems odd.
Have yet to catch my first Steelhead on the Vedder, but am hoping to change that next week. Not overly optimistic, but will be nice to stalk the river for a while and get some much needed fresh air.
The odds of catching a fish in December is pretty low even in the best conditions. We're still months away from peak season.
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peak season is jan. we are not months away
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peak season is jan. we are not months away
I'd disagree. Mid to late February is peak.
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Been out twice since I have entered the derby, no chances yet but feel good about today as have found some nice spots after the high water event. Coffee first though. ;D ;D
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good luck sir.
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peak season is jan. we are not months away
I'd disagree. Mid to late February is peak.
Why not make it mid-April for peak season so there's no point in going out till then! ;D
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Fourth fish was weighed in today. Biggest so far is still the one weighed in a few days ago at around 11lb.
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Been out twice since I have entered the derby, no chances yet but feel good about today as have found some nice spots after the high water event. Coffee first though. ;D ;D
Now 0 for 3, gave it a good try in 3 different areas today. I imagine the coming storm will curtail things a bit.
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Over 250 entrants so far :D Remember, at least 50%, probably more, of your entry fee will go to a worthwhile salmonid enhancement project on the Chilliwack-Vedder. And, if you attend the wind up, a buffet lunch with free opportunities for awesome door prizes.
A great way to spend $20 8)
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Why not make it mid-April for peak season so there's no point in going out till then! ;D
I love March and April on the vedder, assuming the river holds out. New license year, longer days, lots of fresh fish moving in still, and most importantly (back to the new license year) runs void of fishermen.
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Lol I caught fish last year in Jan, Feb, Mar and April, the peak season is winter with a little early spring thrown in, prefer early April though not as crowded as the rest of the season.
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Here's the current standing of the derby, as of December 21st.
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This weekend's update.
(http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc90/fishingwithrod/2014/150111-1_zps176c52f2.jpg)
(http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc90/fishingwithrod/2014/150111-2_zpsd3fda263.jpg)
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Those are some "good" numbers as steelies go.
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Over 400 entrants I'm told ... that means a minimum of 4 k will be put back to the river ;)
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This weekend's update.
(http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc90/fishingwithrod/2014/150111-1_zps176c52f2.jpg)
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I like Jeff's last name Notinderby lol
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Considering the crazy amount of guys out this weekend there was bound to be a lot picked off.
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Wonder why the leader board on Fred's site hasn't been updated yet, a buddy has the lead now!
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no fish bigger has been weighed in. that is why there isn't an update.
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no fish bigger has been weighed in. that is why there isn't an update.
I think Pin-nook is talking about the top 3 standings at http://www.fredscustomtackle.com/201415-Wally-Hall-Jr-Memorial-Steelhead-Derby_ep_118.html
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ah, yes the updates need to be worked on.
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I spent 7 hrs on the river today. Beautiful. Time went fast. But I decided to leave the fish for the other guys. Hope they appreciate it.
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New leader today, first fish over 17lb.
https://www.facebook.com/fredscustomtackle/photos/a.502075593215077.1073741829.113421562080484/750714765017824/?type=1&theater
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Has the Derby wrap-up date been set. As my days off are mid week I will have to book a day off if its on a weekend. Thanks
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No, the final wrap up date has not been set. Most likely late March, early April as the derby ends March 15, but there will be much more on this event as we get closer to the finish.
If you have not entered this derby, consider doing so ... go back to the start of this post to see why :D
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No, the final wrap up date has not been set. Most likely late March, early April as the derby ends March 15, but there will be much more on this event as we get closer to the finish.
If you have not entered this derby, consider doing so ... go back to the start of this post to see why :D
I am entered for the second year now and finally got my first hatchery during tournament. Just was curious about the wrap-up because my work is quite anal about booking days off. They require lots of notice.
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Here's a bit of an update ... as you know the derby ends on March 15th and the wrap up ceremony, prizes, and lunch is on March 22nd, at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall in Vedder Crossing, starting at 10 am. We anticipate a speaker from the Fraser Valley Watersheds Coalition (FVWC) to explain how our entry fee money will be spent on salmonid work on the C-V, plus tell of ongoing local projects administered by the FVWC.
There may be further updates and I hope to meet a lot of you there!
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I see the leader board has not been updated.
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just noticed the leader board has been updated but I thought Jason Bergner's fish was second place?
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just noticed the leader board has been updated but I thought Jason Bergner's fish was second place?
The 3 "J"'s
Joe Pegura 17.853lb
Jeremy Johnson 17.436lbs
Jason Burgener 17.435lbs
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Look how close those numbers are ,wow!!
Met this afternoon with Fred, Wally and Natashia (FVWC); I'm projecting this Sunday will be a great day, with huge opportunities to make this event a substantial fund raising event for future Chilliwack-Vedder projects. So derby entrants, come for the prizes, the great lunch, and learn how your entry fee will be spent.
I understand both Chris and Rod will be attending; autographs will be offered with all proceeds to the cause ;D ;D ;D
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Autographs! :o
I'll be there with the cameras. :)
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It was a great turn out for the wind up, prize giving ceremony today for the 15th annual Wally Hall Jr. Memorial Steelhead Derby. Joe the Fisherman, Joe Pegura, took home $1000 for his first place fish, and promised to spend a bit of that cash for treats for his dog, Tatum (anyone who knows Joe knows Tatum :D). Natashia Cox from the Fraser Valley Watersheds Coalition gave a wonderful presentation of how the over $10K collected from this event will be leveraged into more money, through partnerships and corporate sponsors for future salmonid work on the C-V, and Fred Helmer, as usual, came through with awesome door prizes … I think everyone attending received not only a good lunch, mixed in with great comradery, but left with merchandise worth well over their $20 entry fee.
Kudos to Wally Hall Sr, and Fred Helmer Jr, for keeping this event going and growing! Chris was there taking pictures; he may post some up later.
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Here is my report and Rodney will post some pictures I took later.
This morning was a great get together, a time of fellowship with many fellow anglers and I even won a nice fishing vest, now no one will know me. ;D
Here is a brief recap.
There was 471 entries this year. 420 fish entered, 325 does, 95 bucks, 228 more fish than last year.
Thanks to Wally Hall and family for putting the derby on for the last 15 years in memory of their son Wally Hall Junior.
Thanks to Fred Helmer for all the prizes he donated and also to the Vedder Canadian Legion for hosting the awards day. All derby anglers that attended took home a prize with 6 anglers that were in attendance and entered a fish each won $100 cash.
A total of $10,500 was presented by the Hall family to Natashia Cox from the Fraser Valley Watersheds Coalition for continuing restoration work on the Chilliwack Vedder River that will benefit our precious steelhead as well as 5 other species salmon and other fish in the watershed.
The winners, talk about a close finish.
Joe Pegura 17.853 lb buck caught on February 14. $1,000 cash and Wally Hall Jr. perpetual trophy.
Jeremy Johnsen 17.436 lb buck, February 14. Custom built rod donated by Fred Helmer and David Barnes.
Jason Burgener 17.435 lb buck, January 30. Milner reel donated by Fred Helmer.
Fish Tails:
First fish in the derby was caught by Dan Ryan on December 15.
Jesse Green had the first fish over 17 pounds.
Last year's derby saw 474 entered who brought 192 fish to the scales.
Past derby winners.
2000- 2001 CEJ Mussell, 18.773
2002 Tom "Toothpick" Milburn, 20.56, the largest caught in the derby.
2003 Steve Roseboom, 19.00
2004 Wes Peters, 17.3
2005 Ed Tapp - Cowan 18.11
2006 Matt Pace, 18.32
2007 Rick Vella, 16.99
2008 Peter Leibing, 18.31
2009 Wayne Ridley, 19.43
2010 Peter MacPherson, 18.40
2011 Carl Eicher, 17.77
2012 repeat winner, Peter MacPherson, 19.085
2013 Trevor Henderson, 18.018
2014 Willie Holmes 18.85
The least number of fish entered was 2003 - 2004 as 167 entries brought in only 112 fish.
This year was the most steelhead entered since the derby started.
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Thanks Chris. Very interesting stats concerning the total number of fish, and the buck/doe ratio.
Also interesting that the top two fish were caught on the same day and the 2nd and 3rd fish were .001 pounds ( less than half a gram) apart!
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Wally asked me also to thanks Hub International and Save on Foods for their support of the derby windup and awards day.
Also if you wish to see some pictures of the awards I have them here, 3 stories down.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fraser-Valley-Salmon-Society/111769675563789