It’s time to go fishing and help a great cause

    With a record-breaking spring runoff about to create near flood conditions on our favorite streams and rivers, and lake and reservoir water temperatures still below ideal catching levels, anglers are looking for some sure-fire fishing opportunities.
    Two upcoming fishing tournaments are just the solution. One offers anglers a combination fun, competitive day on the water with a very worthy charitable cause, the American Cancer Society, that will be hosting the annual Relay for Life events all along the Front Range in June.
    The Brighton Relay event this year will include a fishing tournament at nearby Barr Lake State Park. Local co-chairs Mike Thyfault and Phyllis Kildal (303-656-5084) have made it easy to participate. The fishing event is set for between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m., with big fish weight-in at 2 p.m. The entry fee is a modest $10, with all but 10 percent of the proceeds going directly to the American Cancer Society to supplement the funds raised at the Relay. Ten percent of the proceeds will go to the angler with the biggest fish caught.
    All fish species are eligible for the winner, with exception of the carp. This fishing tournament is a great opportunity for kids and families to enjoy a day outdoors and further the research of the dreaded cancer disease.
    The second fishing tournament is sponsored by Cabela’s, one of the nation’s largest outdoors retailers, and the Colorado Division of Wildlife. The event, “Wanna Go Fishing for Millions,” will be held in a number of states.
    Colorado lakes include Lake Pueblo and Blue Mesa Reservoir in Gunnison. This tournament has a creative and challenging twist to it. To win, an angler must catch specifically tagged fish, which were put into the two reservoirs. Pueblo has 10 tagged walleye, largemouth bass and rainbow trout, while Mesa has 15 brown and rainbow trout with special tags. This contest runs through July 14. For information call DOW at 303-291-7482.
    Contact the author at Ron-Hellbusch@comcast.net.