Fishing Derby Set for June 6 - 05/08/2009

Want your own “whopper” tale for the summer? Try your hand at fishing in Lake Estes during the annual Fishing Derby on June 6 and you might win a prize as well.

The Fishing Derby is held at Lake Estes which is stocked with trout, mostly rainbows, from the Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) the day prior to the event. The event is sponsored by the Estes Valley Recreation and Park District (EVRPD) in conjunction with the CDOW’s free fishing weekend the first full weekend in June. This will be the 23rd annual outing for the Estes Park event that benefits youth athletic programs.

Between 250 and 300 people attend the Estes Park event each year to compete for prizes in age categories.

There will be a contest for “largest fish” in four age groups - for one male and one female - with prizes donated by Estes Park merchants. Categories are: ages 9 and under; 10–15 years; 16–59, and 60 and over. A grand prize will be awarded for the biggest catch overall.

The Derby begins at 8 am and ends at noon. Derby day registration begins at 6:30 am at the Lake Estes Marina Store on the northeast side of the lake. Registration on the day of the event is $4.

The $5 day-use fee for vehicles at Lake Estes is waived on Derby Day.

June 6 and 7 are “free fishing” days in the State of Colorado. Fishing licenses are not required by the state on those two days.

Estes Park, Colorado is just five minutes from the eastern entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park.