Bass Divisionals to be held in Sanders County

TROUT CREEK – Semi pro fishers and amateurs will flock to the area in May to participate in the Bassmasters Divisional competition.

Overall, 140 boaters will hit the water to test their ability on the Noxon Reservoir. As they attempt to catch the biggest fish possible, the guys will be looking for a chance to move on to the next step of competition.

A handful of years ago a fisherman from Idaho caught the state record large mouth bass on the reservoir – weighing a whopping 8 pounds and 8 ounces. This shows there is ample opportunity for the boaters to put their skill to the test.

The tournament is by invitation only and all participants have to be prequalified.

The official dates are May 19-23 but many of the people participating will head up early to scope out the waters.

Harris explained both May 19 and May 20 are official pre-fish days where the teams will be exploring and figuring out their best fishing spots. A banquet and registration will be held on the 20 and the actual tournament will stretch from May 21 to the 23.

“At day break they will be lined up, will be inspected and boats will be released shortly after safe light on the reservoir,” Harris explained.

Most likely the teams will stay on the water until three or four o’clock. As the boaters return to shores, they will weigh their fish on a stage for all to see.

“The bass divisional is more set up for spectators than the regular bass tournaments. There’s a bigger number of anglers and then with that, they gear more up to showcase them and let them talk if they want on the stage about how their day went,” Harris explained.

There will also be additional involvement from the state tournament and a youth tournament so the influx of fishermen is hard to predict.

This is the second time the event will be hosted in Sanders County. In the spring of 2003 the same tournament was held.

According to the owner of the Lakeside Motel and Resort, John Harris, in 2003 the tournament was televised by ESPN. Although the plan for this year is still unknown, it’s sure to bring a lot of attention to the area.

Harris said the tournament could bring approximately $250,000 of revenue into the county. Looking back at the first time it was held; Harris said the fishermen came in 10 days ahead of time. The Lakeside Motel had a third of the rooms they have now and it was their best spring to this date.

“It’s a pretty nice shot in the arm early on in the year,” Harris said.

Not only will Trout Creek benefit but the rest of the county should as well. As the fishermen and their families flood the area, hotel rooms down the corridor of Highway 200 should fill up.

The event presents a good opportunity for the county to thrive.

“It’s good for the Lakeside Motel and Resort, good for the town of Trout Creek and good for the county,” Harris said.

An opportunity to cater the banquet is available to all those who wish to apply. Currently bids are being accepted to feed 200 people. Anyone who is looking to place a bid can contact John Harris at 827-4458 or the Trout Creek Community Improvement Association. Volunteers are also wanted to help with a variety of different aspects of the event along with boat launches and morning parking.