Dates for the popular series of Kokanee Power's Trout and Salmon Tournaments are set for 2016 with three of the events taking place in Northern California. Kokanee Power is one of the top organizations promoting not only the establishment and vitality of the kokanee fishery in many California Lakes but throughout the Northwest.

Kokanee Power is also a primary sponsor working with the CDFW on a program establishing, supporting and releasing rainbow trout in many lakes through their pen raised stocking programs. Pens are placed in lake waters at many supportive marinas where the trout are fed and raised in the lake waters where they are to be released to enhance the water's trout fishery. Most of these trout are released as 2 to 5 pound trout with some released as true trophies. Northern California anglers fishing in either Lewiston Lake or Shasta Lake are very familiar with these pen fixtures. Much of the monies raised from the tournaments are used to build and maintain these pens and supply feed throughout the year.

The first tournament of the year will be held at Shasta Lake April 30 and May1 and is the only 2 day event of the tournament series. With a first place prize of $3,000 based on 200 entrants this is a very popular tournament for trout and salmon anglers from all over the state. This team event allows each team to bring four fish to the scales daily but of which only one Brown Trout or two King Salmon are allowed in the daily creel. Versatility in targeting kings, rainbows and brown may be key for the winning team or will a team just targeting large rainbows hold the winning combination. A dinner and raffle at the Lakehead Lion's Club on Saturday evening is included. For entry information and complete tournament rules for the Shasta Lake Classic Team Tourney visit www.kokaneepower.org or Derby Chairperson Gary Coe at [email protected].. Additional information can also be gained by contacting Harold Jones of Sugarloaf Cottages in Lakehead at 1-800-953-4432.

Whiskytown Lake will host a team Kokanee Derby on Saturday June 4, 2016. This event will offer anglers a chance to enjoy some of the best Kokanee fishing the North State has to offer. Whiskytown also supports an underutilized population of trout that will enhance many creels. The www.kokaneepower.org website is again the source for entry information and tournament rules.

Kokanee Power and Big Cove Resort will present the Lake Almanor Fish for a Wish Team Tournament on Saturday August 6, 2016 where anglers will target Rainbow and Brown Trout as well as Almanor's popular King Salmon. Information on this tourmament as well as those planned for Stampede, Pardee, Don Pedro and Shaver Lakes can be found at the Kokanee Power website.

Kokanee Power supports a great fishery and many beneficial causes besides hosting some outstanding and fun, friendly tourneys. I hope all participants enjoy and have great stories to tell and share as a result.

Gary Heffley has been a valued contributor to MyOutdoorBuddy for over 10 years serving as manager, sales representative and reporter for much of Northern California. He is an avid outdoorsman and loves to fish and write about his adventures. He has a long history in the Sporting Goods field and uses that extensive experience to impart his wisdom in his writing.