Fathers Day is coming up on June 16 this year, and that means the annual East Wenatchee Rotary Club Pikeminnow Derby will take place on June 15 and 16. This is the 21st year for this fun derby, which will once again be headquartered at the Orondo River Park.

The emphasis of this derby is on catching as many pikeminnows as possible. These fish prey on salmon and steelhead smolt that are making their way down the Columbia River to the ocean, and do serious damage. Anglers that fish in this tournament are doing our fishery a great service.

The other aim of the derby is to provide a fun event for fishing families in our area. Pikeminnows aren't too challenging to catch once you have found them in the river, and kids under 14 years of age get to fish in the derby for free.

There is over $10,000.00 in cash and prizes to be won at this year's event, including a fishing boat with motor and trailer. People participate in the Rotary Club Pikeminnow Derby year after year. Once they try it they are hooked.

This is a great excuse to get the whole family together for a fun fishing weekend.