The annual Budweiser-Lowrance King Salmon Derby sponsored by the Brewster Chamber of Commerce kicks off next Friday, and if the warm weather holds, it there could be great fishing for kings in the Brewster Pool. The Okanogan River is warming and that will hold the kings off the mouth.

J.D. Smith, organizer of the event, told the audience at the seminar at Town Ford recently that over 250 tickets have already been sold, so I would get yours right now. You can get a registration blank by clicking on the derby ad on my Home Page.

Boat traffic is very heavy in the Brewster Pool right now as hundreds of anglers chase the record number of sockeye that have arrived here. Fishing is very good for those who get on the water very early and troll along the shoreline starting at the big pump where the channel starts to bend, according to Ron Oules, Reel-Lentless Guide Service.

Shane Magnuson, Upper Columbia Guide Service, is taking some kings already, and his favorite baits are the Hot Tamale Super Bait and the Lemon Lime Plug Cut Super Bait. Sockeye rigs should be baited with a piece of shrimp and Super Baits stuffed with tuna.