by Doug Busey
Hello fellow anglers. I have to tell you, this time of year is a little topsy turvy when it comes to getting out and being able to fish. Last week it was 62 degrees and I was in a t-shirt, this weekend we are back to winter and jackets.
But I do have some exciting things that do come with this time of year.
As many have noticed, there have been a few anglers fishing the urban ponds last week. The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) has started their local fish planting.
Last week they planted Baily Pond, Mitch Pond, Seeman Pond, Paradise Pond, Wilson Common Pond, and the Carson River in the Carson City area.
Many anglers are also getting ready for the California opener on April 26. Although the rivers and streams are now open all year, it is a day when many waters convert to the option of catch and keep.
Make sure to check your regulations for any waters you fish as some do stay catch and release.
The biggest news I have for you is: for over 30 years, the Douglas County Kids’ Fishing Derby has been a longstanding tradition in the Carson Valley, often seen as the kick off to the summer. The event isn’t just for kids, it’s for the whole family to enjoy.
This year, the Derby will return to Lampe Park in Gardnerville on Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8, bringing all children between ages of 3 and 12 years old the opportunity to catch up to two rainbow trouts during one of its seven hour-and-a-half long sessions, completely free of charge.
Pre-registration for the Derby will begin in April and is required to receive your child’s free session ticket.
It is because of hundreds of community sponsors and the help from dozens of volunteers that this event is possible.
I personally have had the privilege of being a part of this event for almost all of those years. The reward that you receive when you see and help a five year old with a little snoopy pole catch their very first fish is something that will stay with you a lifetime.
The registration to sign up your lil angler is free. You can go on line to dcnvkidsfishingderby.org, or you can stop by AJ Stoves on Saturdays starting April 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The derby is a two day event in which there will be four time slots on Saturday and three time slots on Sunday. Each slot will run for an hour and a half.
Special note: on Saturday from 12:30 to 2 p.m. is for anglers with special needs.
The only requirement for this event is for the anglers to show up. Loaner poles and all the equipment to fish with, from baiting your line to netting your fish, will be provided. You can also bring your own pole.
But, it does not stop there: they will clean and bag your fish as well! Many wonder how they can do this at no charge. It takes a lot of volunteers and sponsors from our local area to make this happen each year.
If you would like to become a volunteer, go to the website and make a memory for yourself. Volunteers are needed for setup and take down, river help, fish cleaning, raffle tickets, weigh-in stations, food and concession stands, and to welcome and direct people to where they need to go.
To become a volunteer email dckfdvolunteers@gmail.com. You don’t even have to touch a fish to help these young anglers.
If you would like to help sponsor this event you can go to the dcnvkidsfishingderby.org to see how you can help this special event.
To be a sponsor, you can donate cash, raffle prizes or purchase a banner that will be displayed during the derby along the fence line for all to see, and each donor will be recognized during each day from the emcees all though the derby.
I hope to see you during this year’s event. I will be on the river Saturday netting fish, and will be the one with the big mouth with the privilege of emceeing during Sunday’s event.
Now due to the weather events this week and lack of fishing, I have not included any fishing reports.
Good luck on your next fishing adventure.
If you get a picture of your catch, send it to kelsey@carsonnow.org
I hope to see you on the waters soon. Good fishin’ and tight lines.
