Oktoberfish 2010

There are many Oktoberfests in many locations, but there is only one Oktoberfish. Organized by Ralph Jones of Ralph's Coffee House in Bayview six years ago, it is a great hit with fishermen and women in the area.

September and October are recognized on Lake Pend Oreille as prime fishing conditions. Coming up the week-end of October 2 and 3 is Oktoberfish. Which is a Lake Pend Oreille South Enders Derby. Now in it's sixth year, this derby with 100% payout has become quite popular in Bayview. It's not just Bayviewites though, fisher persons come from many areas surrounding including many from Spokane.

This year as last, Idaho Fish & Game is still paying a bounty on Rainbow Trout and Mackinaw as well. Either of these are worth $15.00 from IF&G if they are a minimum 12inches long. In addition, there is no catch limit on either. Just be careful about confusing Bull trout, which are protected, and Macs which are very similar in appearance.

Here's the way it works. Entry fee is $25.00 per person and you must hold a valid Idaho fishing license. The 100% payout is based on proceeds from entry fees and funds from the auction which will take place Friday, October 1 at Rusty's Buttonhook Restaurant. The derby is being sponsored by the following Bayview businesses: Ralph's Coffee House, The Floating Patio, Bayview Mercantile, Rusty's Buttonhook Inn, Brad's List and Tobler Marine.

Ralph Jones, the organizer tells us, “Come on down to Rusty's Buttonhook for the fisherman's auction. 6:00 pm, Friday, October 1. We'll auction off donated goods, including fishing gear and other valuable stuff.. Bring your goods, services and gift certificates for auction and/or raffle. A 50/50 raffle will take place with tickets available at the auction.” Derby tickets are available now at Ralph's Coffee House, or you can purchase them at the auction. After entry fees are compiled along with proceeds from the auction and raffle, a total is arrived at.
The division of prizes are as follows:

First place wins 50% for the largest Rainbow Trout. (Gerard). Second prize is worth 30% of proceeds, with 20% for the third largest Rainbow. $350 and $150 are the prizes for first and second place for a two day aggravate weight Mackinaw total. In addition, a $100 prize will be awarded for the first Rainbow weighing in larger than last year's which was 15 pounds, 7 ounces. Floating buoy prizes as well, with up to $50.00 values.

Come on down without having dinner first, because a free German feed will be available for ticket holders. T-shirts, hats, hoodies will be sold as well.
Last year, 102 entrants participated in the derby with some real nice fish caught. Oh and of course many stories about the ones that got away. Any time fishermen and women get together one can expect stories of immense proportions that some suggest stretches credibility to the limit. Enter the derby and claim the travelin' trophy.

For ticket or derby information, call Ralph at 208-683-2218 or e-mail: bayviewralph@yahoo.com.