This year’s sockeye run continues to be full of surprises. To have a record run and I believe a record third season in a row that Lake Wenatchee opened to migrating sockeye was a real surprise. Even more surprising was the short season. Although the Columbia was choked with returning sockeye, just enough of them made the turn up the Wenatchee River to allow for a short season on Lake Wenatchee. Those that participated had a ball, but it was pretty much a local affair, which is just fine. Another local affair will take place this Saturday at Blackbird Island in Leavenworth. The Icicle Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited is holding their second Kids Fishing Derby at the Juvenile Pond. The pond was created by this chapter of Trout Unlimited, and with the help of the Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Chelan County PUD was reconditioned a couple of years ago for use as an acclimation pond to rear juvenile steelhead. When the steelhead smolt and head downstream the pond is restocked with fish, and TU celebrates this juveniles-only (under the age of 15) fishery, with a derby. The derby kicks off at 9 a.m. and runs till noon. Lots of prizes will be handed out.