I have received confirmation that the gate is open to the Quincy Wildlife Area and that the lakes that will open to fishing on March 1 are ice-free.

That means there should be some great trout fishing available to anglers on lakes such as Burke and Quincy in the Quincy Wildlife Area, and also Martha and Caliche lakes near George.

It is especially good news for those who plan to fish in the annual Quincy Valley Tourism Association’s Trout Derby on Burke Lake on Saturday, March 5. The group’s volunteers will be setting up the big tent that serves as derby headquarters in the parking lot between Burke Lake and Evergreen Reservoir.

You can get your derby tickets at Quincy Hardware or the Quincy Chamber and at Hooked on Toys in Wenatchee or Sportsman’s Warehouse in East Wenatchee.

You can also register on-line by visiting the derby web site by logging into www.quincyvalleytourism.org.

Tickets are still just $20 for adults and $10 for kids, and it is even easier to win this year. There are prizes in both adult and youth divisions and the grand prize is a 12- to 14-foot fishing boat, trailer and electric motor.

This is a great way to kick off the trout season for the year. Hope to see you there!