Fishing is often fraught with long periods of inactivity. Yet there are those crazy times when Crappie are hitting, and those times when you’ve managed to match the hatch to your fly.

And there are those times when you know that you have not only the best chance for a lot of fishing action, and also the chance to catch a huge “lunker” trout.

The Lehigh River Stocking Association (LRSA) will holds its 8th Annual Trout Fishing Contest Saturday, June 2 (high water date: June 16th) Sign up starts at 7 a.m., at the East Penn Boat Launch, Bowmanstown, with fishing from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

The cost is $25 for non-LRSA members, and $20 for members; kids under 12 fish for free.

There will be plenty of trout, including big ‘uns. The LRSA will stock 500, 14” to 28” trout, and 12 or more trout will be well over 20”. Contest boundaries are: from the confluence of the Lehigh River and Lizard Creek to the first island below the East Penn Boat Ramp. This extended stocking area enables anglers to spread out and offers different types of water to fish.

In addition, there will be free giveaways, LRSA memberships, and raffle tickets available at sign up. Food, beverages, and bait are available for purchase. Need a break? There are picnic tables and bathrooms on site. While you’re taking a break, you can also check out numerous sponsors’ demonstration tables.

LRSA President Steve Chukra said that both wading and boat fishing are permitted, and all legal baits, lures and flies are allowed. Any fish, with or without a tag, caught on the day of the contest, is eligible for prizes, he added.

Although fish must be brought to the measuring table, after they are measured the fish may be released. The length of the fish determines the prize choice order. Fish prizes and raffles will be awarded beginning at 3:00 pm. Prizes include rods, reels, other fishing equipment, guided trips, gift certificates and more. Sponsors are: LL Bean, Cabela’s, Skinners Guide Service, Rivers Outdoor Adventure, Wayne’s Rod, BC Bait, Boyers Hardware, Wildlands Conservancy, Bob’s Taxidermy, Archery at the Glen, River Walk Saloon, Catfish Creek Cabins, Flies by George, Big Daddy Reels, Wink’s Wildlife Studio, Renaldo Enterprises, Clear Water Angling Guide Service, Timberwolf Spinners, Lip Ripper Charters, and more.

Chukra said that the annual tournament is a chance to encourage new members, and also thank existing members. (check out www.LRSA.org).

“We hold the fishing contest annually to showcase our stocking efforts and to thank our members for their support,” Chukra said. “The event is a venue for like-minded anglers to come together and enjoy a nice day of fishing on the Lehigh.”

“We have great prizes for participants, and lots of displays – including this year Cub Scout Pack 41 will have a display,” he added. “Lunkerfest is also an opportunity for local anglers to catch the trophy trout of a lifetime.”