Hopek leading Big One Derby
Courtesy photo Andy Hopek holds the 23.56-pound, 35 1/2-inch chinook salmon he caught during this week's Big One Derby on Lake Coeur d'Alene. Beside him is Bob Van Wie. Hopek's catch is keeping him in the No. 1 spot on the derby leaderboard as the event heads into the weekend. The derby runs through Sunday.
Andy Hopek held the top spot on the leader board on Friday evening, the end of the third day of the 33rd Annual Big Derby on Lake Coeur d’Alene.
Hopek’s fish weighed in at 23.56 pounds and was 35.5 inches long.
The derby, hosted by the Lake Coeur d’Alene Anglers Association, runs through Sunday. It attracts hundreds of salmon fishermen to the lake each summer.
LCAA chairman Roger Blackstone said it’s not too late to pick up derby tickets at derby headquarters: Black Sheep Sporting Goods.
For more information about the Derby, visit lcaaidaho.com of follow the LCAA on Facebook.
Current Big One Derby Leaderboard - Top 10 Adult Division
1. Andy Hopek 23.56 pounds, 35 1/2 inches.
2. Russ Hogan 21.40 pounds, 34 1/2 inches.
3. Frank Whitney Jr 18.94 pounds, 34 inches.
4. Hayden Villa 18.80 pounds, 32 inches.
5. Rita Deviny 18.18 pounds, 32 inches.
6. Gary Thompson 17.76 pounds, 33 inches.
7. Roger Blackstone 17.72 pounds, 32 1/2 inches.
8. Ray McLeod 17.68 pounds, 32 1/4 inches.
9. Ray Allison 15.28 pounds, 32 inches.
10. Alan Powlawski 15.04 pounds, 33 3/4 inches.