Kittanning Trout Derby Continuing in Cloudy Weather

by Jonathan Weaver

It doesn’t matter if the sun is shining or rain is falling because hundreds of trout will still be dumped in Cowanshannock Creek this afternoon for the third-annual Kittanning Trout Derby.

Sponsored by Kittanning Hose Company No. 1 fire department, the Saturday and Sunday event along Troy Hill Road in Rayburn Township (Ingram Ball Field) attracted about 500 fishermen last year, and that amount of competition is expected to continue this weekend after organizers have been contacted from outdoorsman in other states such as New York, Delaware and Ohio.

Fire Chief Gene Stephens said Kittanning is home to the only fishing derby in this part of Pennsylvania, and that more than 500 tagged fish will be put in the water for fishers to try and catch. By hooking the correct fish, fishers could win cash prizes, a television and a rifle.

“Last year, we (tagged) 625 – we’ll be pushing it,” Chief Stephens said. “Money is coming in from everywhere – businesses, people themselves, clubs, restaurants…a lot of sponsorships from around the area.

“From $20 up to $1,500 (per fish).”

Registration begins at 3PM at Ingrams Ball Field in Rayburn Township, but is also available Saturday or Sunday. Adults are $20 each and youth 15 years of age and younger are $15.

“The more people that come, the bigger and better it is. Word of mouth the past couple years about this has just gone everywhere,” Chief Stephens said. “Everybody the past two years I’ve talked to said they’d be back and bring more friends with them.”

Bait will be for sale upon registration. Profits will be split with Goodman’s Bait in Bethel Township.

Usually 65 to 80 percent of the tagged fish are caught, depending on the weather. Sponsorship money left over from fish not caught goes directly to the fire department.

Chief Stephens said “everybody benefits” from this weekend’s event.

“Every event we do for a fundraiser brings people into the area,” Chief Stephens said. “They buy supplies and stuff, stay in hotels, restaurants get business because they eat at night…that’s what really makes you proud.

“We get a lot of good sponsorships from a lot of good people. We don’t just sit back and ask for a flat donation.”

For an additional $10, fishers can take part in a fishing contest. The fisher who catches the biggest tagged trout will win 60 percent of the cash.

Chief Stephens said some of the application fee benefits the local fire department as well.

“$5 goes toward the fire hall (and) $5 goes into the pot,” Chief Stephens said.

Via benefit proceeds, the volunteer fire company was able to purchase eight complete sets of turnout gear – from boots to helmets – when added to State aid grants.

Free camping will be available for fishers all weekend along Iron Bridge Road.

Bench Racers Convenience Store/Gas Station along Route 28/66 in Rayburn will be one of those stores that benefits.

Co-Owner Marc Perella, of Ford City, predicts the gas station/convenience store will be busy as soon as today.

“(The trout derby) helps us a lot – and we donate $200 toward the derby,” Mark said. “We stay pretty steady. We keep a lot of fresh food in stock. (This morning), we start making a lot of food.

“Everybody is required to work – they’re not allowed to ask off for this.”

When creeks are not as crowded, Mark also likes to take his two children – six year old Landyn and 13-year-old Ariana - fishing.

Open an hour earlier tomorrow – 5AM.

Marc’s wife, Sunny, said free samples will also be given out from 11AM-1PM this weekend during the Tribute to Kiddyland Flea Market.

“It’ll be a crazy weekend, but it should be good,” Sunny said.

She said the past two weekends have been similarly hectic.
Food will also be for sale at the Ingram Ball Field pavilion to raise money for the Armstrong River Hawk Wrestling team.

Booster President Samantha Wonderling said food and refreshments will be available in the morning and afternoon.

Money raised will help student wrestlers attend Bruno Iorfido Wrestling Camp June 13-17 at Port Allegheny High School (McKean County)

Fishing begins at 6AM tomorrow.

All fish and money have to be collected by 5PM Sunday.

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