The Eau Galle – Rush River Sportsman’s Club held its 49^th annual trout fishing contest Saturday, May 3, 2025 at the Ellsworth Rod & Gun Club.

It was cool in the morning and warmed up by the afternoon to turn into a very nice day. We weighed in 62 trout compared to 19 last year. The DNR claims we have 4,000 trout per mile in the Rush River. The trout run smaller than before, but there have been a lot of nice fish.

WE thank the Ellsworth Rod & Gun Club for the use of their building and their auction donation. Thank you to all those who donated to our auction. It was very much appreciated.

We had a delicious breakfast of pancakes, eggs and sausage. Thank you, Sue Boyer, for your breakfast and all-day kitchen help. Then we had an outstanding chicken dinner with carrots, baked potato and a dinner roll cooked by David Kiefer and Andrew Kiefer. Thank you, guys.

A special thank you to 89-year-old Jack Hines for doing a super job again at our trout contest auction.

The club will use the money to continue work on our land, river and other conservation programs. Something new this year – giving prizes to kids who didn’t acquire a trout: Thank you, Andrew Kiefer.

Raffle ticket winners

• $300 – Logan Sotona, Spring Valley
• $150 – Roger Nelson, Ellsworth
• $50 – Chuck Christopherson, Spring Valley

Trout ticket winners

• $100 – Arby Linder, Martell
• $100 – Weston Gooding, 11, Baldwin
• $50 – Chris Linder, Ellsworth
• $50 – Chad Falde, Martell

Trout plaque winners

• Jay Bauer, Ellsworth, 2.97 pounds, 20 inches, brown (adult)
• Dawson Sotona, 6, Spring Valley, 2.57 pounds, 20 inches, brown (youth)