The weather was good for those who participated in the Quincy Valley Tourism Association’s Pike Minnow Derby that concluded at noon last Sunday. Over 90 anglers registered for this year’s event, and they turned in 1,729 pike minnows that weighed over 729 pounds. There were hundreds of dollars of cash and prizes handed out at derby headquarters at Crescent Bar, and Warren G. Smith was the big winner. Smith took home a check for $500.00 plus a new Smokercraft fishing boat and motor from Bob Feil Boats and Motors in East Wenatchee. I want to thank the folks from the QVTA for putting on another excellent derby, and Grant County PUD and the other sponsors for supporting a great local, family event that also benefits our salmon and steelhead. The derby headquarters was at Crescent Bar, where there has been many improvements made by Grant County PUD. The marina is brand new with a paved parking area and a long launch dock. A new double launch with parking for 70 vehicles is scheduled to be completed some time next spring. Launching and parking is free for day use, and I plan to explore the Columbia from here for walleye and smallmouth bass.