Attention anglers, hook a trophy trout at Rancho Seco

Attention anglers, hook a trophy trout at Rancho Seco

SMUD's annual trout derby set for April 11-12

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- SMUD's annual trout derby at Rancho Seco Recreational Area begins Saturday, April 11. 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 Mixed Bag Sportsman, Angler's Press Outdoors and Folsom Lake Dodge. The fishing event has become a tradition for many and has attracted thousands of local participants since it began in 1993.

When: Saturday & Sunday, April 11 & 12, 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. 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 trophy-sized 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 $15 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 for its innovative energy efficiency programs, renewable power technologies and for its sustainable solutions for a healthier environment. In 2024, SMUD's power supply was about 62% carbon free, which is largely influenced by the weather and amount of hydroelectricity produced. SMUD's goal is to completely eliminate carbon in its electricity production by 2030 while maintaining reliability and keeping rates among the lowest in California - on average, 50% lower than its neighboring, investor-owned utility.