Experience the excitement of fishing at the Rancho Seco Trout Derby, hosted by SMUD on April 6-7.
This event at Rancho Seco Recreational Area offers a competitive fishing experience with substantial trout stocks and numerous prizes. Participants can win cash and other rewards, including fishing kayaks for the top adult and youth anglers each day.
The derby, a longstanding tradition since 1993, invites anglers to enjoy fishing from the shore or piers and to partake in various recreational activities at the park.
Grand prizes are provided by The Fish Sniffer magazine and Angler’s Press Outdoors. The fishing event has become a tradition for many and has attracted thousands of local participants since it began in 1993.
| Event: | Saturday & Sunday, April 6 & 7, 20246 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 for the two-day event 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.
