Fishing derby set for Aug. 6

Chartiers Creek site of contest

The fifth annual catchand-release fishing derby sponsored by the Heidelberg police department will be held Aug. 6 at the Heidelberg Park Pavilion.

All fish must be caught in Chartiers Creek as it flows through Heidelberg's boundaries, which are from Marathon Oil to the end of Grant Street. Registration will open at 7:30 a.m. and the contest will run from 8 a.m. to noon.

The last weigh-in is at noon at the pavilion. All fish must be alive both at the weigh-in and when they are returned to the creek. Prizes will be awarded by weight and specific species categories.

Adult entries are $5 each and the cost for youths 17 and under is $3 each. Winners must be present to win and claim their prizes.

The event, which has attracted people from all over the region, has steadily grown since police Chief Vern Barkley came up with it in 2012 as a way to bring families together and also to lure kids outdoors. This year, the borough will be giving away 2016 Heidelberg Fishing Derby hats. Food and beverages will be free.

“It's both a lot of work and a lot of fun,” said Chief Barkley, who said the event attracted 115 entrants last year.

Adding interest is the fact that as many as 24 different types of fish may be found in Chartiers Creek. Printouts of the types of fish will be available.