Hike the Howard Ranch Trail
A 7-mile loop nature trail next to Rancho Seco Lake meanders through the ever-changing habitat of southeastern Sacramento County. More
Wildlife Refuge
The Amanda Blake Memorial Wildlife Refuge at the Rancho Seco Recreational Area is home to more than two dozen oryx, an endangered species of antelope from Africa. More
Cast for cash at SMUD’s Spring Trout Derby
It’s that time of year again – time to pull the tackle box out of winter storage. SMUD’s Spring Trout Derby will be held March 15-16 at Rancho Seco Lake from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
The lake will be stocked with approximately 2,000 pounds of trout. Cash awards will be awarded in two divisions: adults and children under the age of 16. The top prize for adults is $100 ($50 for children).
There will be a $3-per-person derby entry fee and an entrance fee of $5 per car ($4 for seniors).
Directions to Rancho Seco Recreational Area:
From Sacramento, take Highway 99 south to the Highway 104 exit. Go east 15 miles on Highway 104 to Rancho Seco Park.
Derby rules
- Gates open at 6 a.m. rain or shine.
- A $3 entry fee will be charged to enter the Derby, good for both days. Tickets are sold at the gate.
- Persons 16 or older must possess a valid California State Fishing license.
- All participants must possess a valid Derby ticket and park entry permit.
- Derby ticket must be filled out by each Derby participant in order to be valid at weigh-in.
- Participants are not eligible for prizes if a Derby ticket is purchased after they catch a trout.
- Awards will be mailed after March 16, 2008.
- All trout entered in the Derby must be weighed at the Rancho Seco Park maintenance shop.
- Decisions on weight and trout eligibility are made by Rancho Seco Park personnel. Rancho Seco Park employees reserve the right to have any trout cleaned that is entered in the Derby.
- Trout must be caught according to State Fish and Game laws.
- One prize per person.
- Trout must be checked in before the posted time of 5 p.m. on the day of catch.
Prizes
Adults (16 and over):
First place, $100; second place, $75; third place, $60; fourth place, $25 plus annual pass to Rancho Seco Park; fifth to ninth places, $25 plus one-day pass; 10th through 14th places, $20 plus one-day pass.
Children (under 16):
First place, $50; second place, $37.50; third place, $30; fourth place, $12.50 plus three-day pass; fifth place, $12.50 plus one-day pass; sixth place, $10 plus one-day pass.
To view and print a pdf Trout Derby flyer click here.