Attention anglers, hook a trophy trout at Rancho Seco
SMUD’s annual trout derby set for April 1-2
SMUD’s annual trout derby at Rancho Seco Recreational Area begins Saturday, April 1. Thousands of pounds of trout and prizes are up for grabs. Anglers reeling in the heaviest catches will win cash and prizes, including an adult and youth grand prize for the heaviest trout caught awarded each day.
Adult grand prize: Fishing kayak
Youth grand prize: Fishing kayak
Grand prizes are provided by Lasher Auto Group, Angler’s Press Outdoors and The Fish Sniffer magazine. The fishing event has become a tradition for many and has attracted thousands of local participants since it began in 1993.
Date/Time: Media Availability: Saturday, April 1 from 7 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Event: Saturday & Sunday, April 1 & 2, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily (rain or shine)
Location: Rancho Seco Recreational Area, 14960 Twin Cities Road, Herald, CA 95638
Anglers can cast a line into the 160-acre lake from the shoreline or one of six fishing piers. Small boats with electric motors are also allowed (no gas motors). In addition to trout, the freshwater lake is home to bass, bluegill, redear sunfish and crappie. In preparation for the derby, Rancho Seco Lake was recently stocked with thousands of pounds of catchable trout.
Registration takes place on both days of the derby between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., rain or shine. Derby tickets are $5 per person, plus daily $5 fishing fee and $12 parking fee at the park gate. A valid California state fishing license is required for those 16 years of age or older. Anglers hoping to win a prize must weigh their fish at the official weigh station between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on the day of the catch. For complete rules, visit smud.org/RanchoSeco.
The 400-acre Rancho Seco Recreational Area offers more than just fishing. The full-service facility offers picnic areas, RV and tent camping sites, a beach and swimming spots. Kayaks, rowboats, paddleboards and fishing boats are available to rent.
Rancho Seco Recreational Area is 25 miles south of Sacramento, approximately 15 minutes east of Highway 99 on Twin Cities Road. For more information about the derby, camping and safety at the park, visit smud.org/RanchoSeco or call (800) 416-6992.
About SMUD
As the nation’s sixth-largest, community-owned, not-for-profit electric service provider, SMUD has been providing low-cost, reliable electricity to Sacramento County for more than 75 years. SMUD is a recognized industry leader and award winner for its innovative energy efficiency programs, renewable power technologies and for its sustainable solutions for a healthier environment. Today, SMUD’s power supply is on average about 50 percent carbon free and SMUD has a goal to reach zero carbon in its electricity production by 2030. For more information on SMUD’s Zero Carbon Plan and its customer programs, visit smud.org.