Telegraph Cove was the scene of the annual Salmon Enhancement Derby weekend Aug. 1 and 2.
Funds raised at the event are donated to the Kokish River Hatchery project each year, said Telegraph Cove Resort staff member Courtenay Guindon. The Kokish River Hatchery is a Department of Fisheries and Oceans-licensed facility that releases salmon into the Kokish River.
Its mission is to recover salmon stocks to a healthy, self-sustaining level. The hatchery is operated by the Port McNeill Chinook Club and is dedicated to salmon enhancement in the Kokish River and it is operated entirely by a dedicated group of volunteers.
This year, about 150 fishers paid $10 to take part in the Telegraph Cove event, which is held the August long weekend each year.
“We did raise a lot of money for the Salmon Enhancement program,” Guindon said.
The largest salmon was caught by Wendy Barry who reeled in a 20-pound spring salmon.
The largest bottom fish was an 18-pound halibut caught by Kathy Owen.
The youth award was won by River Baker who landed a 21-pound spring salmon.
The derby was just one of the events held over the weekend that raised funds for the salmon enhancement program. Over 100 people were at the auction held in the Forest Campground, said Guindon.
“We donate all of the proceeds from the fishing derby and the silent auction to them,” she said.
There was also a barbecue, donated corn was sold for $1 a cob which raised $220 and money collected in the on-site showers was also donated.
The annual craft fair took place on Saturday.
