For the first time in over fifty years, due to a recent restoration and dam removal effort, the isolated Chewaucan River in Lake County, Oregon is seeing the return of the Red Band Trout. Scheduled for July 22-25, 2007 in Lakeview, the first-annual Chewaucan Challenge is an elite catch-and-release fly fishing tournament to inaugurate the return of this once thriving recreational fishing industry.

Fifty years ago, Red Band Trout filled the river and creeks of the Chewaucan basin, flowing from the Gearheart Wilderness, high in the Cascades, to the little city of Paisley in Southern Oregon on the edge of the Great Basin.

Free of hatchery fish or non-native species, the Chewaucan River has over 40 miles of walkable, wadeable, fishable water with a diversity of challenges from fast boulder strewn rapids to the slow meandering holding waters.  It flows from the tranquility of the deep forest into spring creeks offering a different approach at each turn.

The past five years have seen over four million dollars in improvements to the river from local ranchers and state and federal agencies, which has allowed the wild red band trout to return to its historic runs.  The result is that this river may prove to be the ultimate fly fishing challenge in the Northwest.

The tournament includes a kick off dinner on Sunday, July 22, 2007, and morning briefings will be held daily. Bag lunches, T-shirts and assistance with lodging, meals and amenities will be available. The uniqueness of this tournament is that it is not looking for the most fish or the biggest fish, but rather the best fisherman. Registration is $300 for each three-person team.  Trophy and cash prizes will be awarded.

For more information visit: www.chewaucanchallenge.com or contact:
Larry Duckworth, Tournament Director
Fisher King Fly Shop
www.fisherkingflyshop.com
(541) 943-3141 or (541) 943-3360.