The Andras family continued their tradition of absolutely schooling their catch at the 4th Annual Umpqua Bass Bash!
Participants from across Oregon hit the water early after checking in and organizing into float groups at Eagleview Group Campground. Many folks floated in boats, kayaks, pontoons, or other vessels, as this was the ideal method to catch large numbers of smallmouth bass. The day soon turned into a bright sunny afternoon, and the fish became more active. Whether tossing spinners, soft plastics, or the occasional fly, participants hauled in fish steadily throughout the afternoon.
After a long day of fishing, the day’s harvest was measured and sampled by a team of Oregon State University researchers back at camp, who gathered stomach content data and length measurements for each smallmouth bass. Then came dinner prep - led by Executive Director Mark Sherwood, a team of volunteers worked together to filet the fish, preparing them for a delicious riverside dinner!
James Andras mastered the tortilla station, and NFS Southern Oregon Coordinator Charles Gehr started frying smallmouth bass filets for dinner! KJ Gehr made sure all the food was in order for the hungry participants. It was a full-on community effort, and one of the tastiest meals a smallmouth bass has ever been a part of!
During the event, Native Fish Society Southern Oregon Coordinator Charles Gehr also took a moment to share Native Fish Society’s ongoing work in the Umpqua basin, connecting the day’s event to the larger vision of restoring abundant wild, native fish and free-flowing rivers.
It was a wonderful gathering of new and old volunteers, passionate river advocates, and folks celebrating wild native fish.
By the numbers: over 60 participants, and 380+ smallmouth bass from 5" - 15.5" harvested from the mainstem Umpqua River. A huge success in building a community and bringing awareness to the issues these invasives cause to the natural ecosystem.
Native Fish Society remains committed to restoring wild native fish in southern Oregon by assisting with limiting factors that depress the restoration of native species. If you would like to learn more about our work or how to get involved, please contact us today.
Bass Bash Highlights:
The Andras family continued their annual tradition of putting on a bass fishing masterclass!
Rich Grost had the largest fish (15.4”) and the most fish (69).
Kirk Blaine and family gave the Andras family a run for their money on the heaviest pile of fish, showing that local knowledge and experience pay off.
Photos by Mark Sherwood, Charles Gehr, and Jim Andras.
