The Rainbow $5,000 is already southern Oregon's most successful trout fishing derby, but this year, specially tagged fish could have the tournament breaking its own participation record.
In 2004, the tourney, held on June 25, drew 1,200 anglers, which at the time was a record, and they're already ahead of that pace for 2011.
This is because there are six extra fish stocked in Diamond Lake in Douglas County, where the the event is held.
According to Oregon's Mail Tribune, five of the tagged fish will be worth $100 each, and one, which has been given the name "Lithia Lunker," will be worth $500. Lithia Motors is sponsoring the event, hence the name.
Another $1,000 will be shelled out for the heaviest rainbows caught.
If Lithia manages to avoid anglers on June 25, she's still not out of the woods. Lithia Motors says they'll honor the cash prizes throughout the rest of the season.
-Rick Bach
How many records will an 11-year-old's black crappie wind up setting?
