CPW and Trout Unlimited to co-host annual July 4th Fishing Derby at Franz Lake State Wildlife Area near Salida

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Bill Vogrin
Southeast Region Public Information Officer
719-466-3927 / [email protected]

Photo courtesy of Colorado Parks and Wildlife

June 24, 2022

CPW, Trout Unlimited to co-host annual July 4th Kids Fishing Derby in Salida

SALIDA, Colo. – Colorado Parks and Wildlife is co-hosting the annual July 4th Kids Fishing Derby at Frantz Lake State Wildlife Area near Salida with co-hosts Trout Unlimited.

CPW has stocked the lake, which is adjacent to its Mount Shavano Fish Hatchery, and CPW officers will be providing fishing instructions at the derby.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own fishing gear, sunscreen and water although CPW also will have free fishing poles for kids who don’t have poles.

The event is free to kids 13 and younger. Registration begins at Frantz Lake at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, July 4. The derby will begin at 9:45 a.m. and fishing ends at 10:45 a.m. Derby winners will be announced at 11:15 a.m.

Prizes will be awarded for first fish caught, longest fish caught and to the contestant who traveled the farthest to participate. All contestants will receive a derby souvenir.

A hot dog lunch and sodas will be served to contestants and their families.

Frantz Lake State Wildlife Area is located just outside Salida on CR 160 just beyond the golf course. Parking is available.

CPW is waiving the entrance pass requirement to the wildlife area for all adults accompanying fishing derby contestants. They will be exempt from the entrance pass for the duration of the derby event, from 8:30 a.m. until noon.

CPW regulations require anyone over 18 years old must possess a current and valid hunting or fishing license or a State Wildlife Area Pass to enter an SWA.

For more information on the fishing derby, visit www.collegiatepeakstu.org.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is an enterprise agency, relying primarily on license sales, state parks fees and registration fees to support its operations, including: 43 state parks and more than 350 wildlife areas covering approximately 900,000 acres, management of fishing and hunting, wildlife watching, camping, motorized and non-motorized trails, boating and outdoor education. CPW's work contributes approximately $6 billion in total economic impact annually throughout Colorado.