Oregon Drift

Most people fish for salmon for the sport of it or to bring home a tasty dinner. In September and October, opportunities arise in and around the Bay Area to hook a cash prize along with that big fish.

World File Photo

Slam’n Salmon Ocean Derby 2010, Sept. 3-5

• $5,000 grand prize, $2,500 second place, $1,000 third place
• Chinook salmon is the only eligible species.
• Boat fishing only, no dock or shore fishing
• All eligible fish must be caught from a boat in the Pacific Ocean off the Brookings Harbor coast.

Information: Port of Brookings, 541-469-2218, www.slamnsalmon.com

STEP Salmon Derby, Sept. 4-6

• Heaviest overall salmon wins $500
• Heaviest salmon each day wins $150
• Three $100 blue ticket winners
• One $100 ticket stub winner
• Entry fee: $10 per person or $25 for a private boat

Information: Doug Buck, 541-271-3144

2010 Bandon Salmon Derby, Sept. 8-Oct. 30

• Biggest/heaviest Chinook wins $200.
• Biggest/heaviest Coho wins $200.
• Person who catches the most salmon wins $200.
• Salmon can be caught from any local waters.
• Every legal salmon brought in, regardless of size, gets a raffle ticket.
• Drawings will be held Sept. 8 and Oct. 2, 16 30; each winner gets $50.

Information: Bandon Beach Vacation Rental, 541-347-4801, www.bandonsalmonderby.com

Coos Basin Amateur Salmon Derby, Sept. 11-12

• $1,000 in cash prizes, including $100 for the biggest Chinook, $100 junior division, $500 in drawing prizes
• Entry: $20 per person; everyone on a boat must have an entry.
• Open to amateurs only, no guides or guide clients
• Derby ticket includes BBQ and oyster bar at Menasha Forest Products office, where a silent auction also will be held.
• All proceeds benefit fish enhancement/education projects in Coos, Tenmile, and Eel Lake basins.

Information: Valerie or Armand, 541-759-2709, www.coosbasinsalmonderby.com.