Kids reel in a big one at Cooper Creek
SUTHERLIN, Ore. -- The second day of the Umpqua Fishery Enhancement Derby featured a group of grade school children from Eastwood Elementary School, getting a chance to go out and catch some fish with professional guides.
Every year, the 5th grade class at Eastwood gets to go to Cooper Creek and fish with the guides that will be participating in the actual derby Friday and Saturday.
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife plants several hundred Rainbow Trout from the Desert Springs Hatchery in central Oregon.
The kids then get some help from the guides on how to fish and they start reeling them in.
Teaches at Eastwood say it's educational, and the kids have a good time. "It's really a wonderful opportunity for them to come out here," said Eastwood teacher Erica Workman. "We're currently studying ecosystems, so it 's really nice for them to have hands on experience."
O.D.F.W. Fish biologist Greg Huchko says it's a good way to get kids involved in the derby and get them interested in the fisheries in Douglas County.
The students got to go on a jet boat ride around Cooper Creek and then were treated to hot dogs and beverages.
The derby starts Friday morning, with nearly two dozen teams heading out on the North, South and main Umpqua with the professional guides in each of the boats.
Derby officials say the weather and river conditions look to be excellent, and they expect a lot of fish to be caught in the next two days.
