What’s better than one fishing tournament? Two, of course.

Fortunately for the region’s anglers, they can compete in both Spartan Fishing Tournament derbies at the same time — thanks to the Priest River Lamanna High School junior class, which is organizing this year’s event.

Set for Saturday, May 2, the tournament begins at 6:30 a.m. and ends at 4:30 p.m. Fishing must take place on Chase Lake, Freeman Lake and Cocolalla Lake.

To keep anglers — and community members — up to date on who is leading, a live leaderboard will be posted during the tournament on the derby sign-up page at tinyurl.com/wnaezrz9.

Anglers can sign up for the tournament now through May 1.

This tournament is unique in that entrants are allowed to catch any legally harvestable species found in the three lakes, with the exception of northern pike and northern pikeminnow.

The two tournaments happen simultaneously: the first for the biggest fish by weight overall, and the second for the combined weight of three different fish, which can be either the same species or different species.

The cost is $30 for nonstudents, $15 for West Bonner County students and $25 for active-duty service members and veterans. A 10% website fee is added to each entry fee.

To sign up for the derby, go online to tinyurl.com/wnaezrz9.

A prize will be presented to the angler who catches the biggest fish at each of the three lakes — Chase, Freeman and Cocolalla. Also, a first-, second- and third-place prize will be presented for the most weight of fish at Cocolalla Lake and at either Chase or Freeman Lake.

Anglers who don’t win one of the nine fishing prizes will be put into a drawing for additional prizes.

Winners will be announced at an award ceremony at 6:30 p.m. May 2 at Priest River Lamanna High School. If a winner is unable to attend to claim their prize, it will be awarded to the next placer in the tournament.

Half of the money from the tournaments is collected as a donation to the PRLHS junior class, and the other half goes into the prize pool.

Volunteers are needed to help manage the tournament and work with the junior students to weigh and record the weight of the fish at one of the four weigh stations, as well as manage prizes, organizer Alex Hansen said.

Donations are also sought to add to the prize pool. Anyone wishing to donate should contact Alexis Scott at 208-661-9024 or by email at [email protected].