Fishing Derby Time – And Other Thoughts About Streams That Open Soon
by Dean Growdon
The Lassen Sportsmen’s Club will be hosting the 37th Junior Fishing Derby this Saturday, May 16th. This event is unique for many reasons, but the most significant is that the California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations specifically authorize it to occur on the Saturday prior to the opening day of the general fishing season. This exception applies only to youth under the age of 16 who are registered for the fishing derby.
The derby is made possible by volunteers like Wade Workman, Don Spalding, Jim Chapman and many others, as well as by generous donations from local businesses, government agencies, and individuals.
Trout are purchased from a private hatchery, along with some provided by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The trout are planted in the Susan River and in a section of Paiute Creek reserved for the youngest participants.
This event provides an excellent opportunity to introduce youth to fishing. Although some locations along the river become crowded, there are usually several places where families can get away from the crowds and enjoy a quiet morning on the water.
For many young anglers, this derby is their first chance to feel a tug on the line, learn how to handle a fish, and build memories that will last a lifetime.
“Fishmas” and Our Local Opener
In much of California, “Fishmas” (the opening day of streams and some lakes) arrives in April each year. Here in Lassen and Plumas counties, we look forward instead to the Saturday preceding Memorial Day, which marks the opening of the fishing season at Eagle Lake, the tributaries to Lake Almanor, the Susan River and many other area streams.
As a child, I counted down the days to this magical time every year. Whether it was freezing in the morning at Eagle Lake, catching little planters at Clear Creek Park, or fishing at Hamilton Branch, that day always signified the beginning of another summer of fishing. We may not have a catchy name like “Fishmas,” but local fishermen know the date by heart and are surely looking forward to it.
With all of these opportunities coming our way, I encourage you to start carving out some time on the water. Take a child to the derby, revisit a favorite stream, or explore a new stretch of river. However you choose to spend it, get outside and enjoy the peace, the challenge, and all of God’s beauty that surrounds us.
