Douglas County Kids’ Fishing Derby returns for 32nd year June 7 – 8 at Lampe Park

Kids Fishing Derby Heather Ellis, Bob Ellis, Tiffany Ellis

by Doug Busey
5-29-2025
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Hello fellow anglers. Wow! What a great Memorial weekend we had. For the most part the weather cooperated. But before we get into a fishing report. I want to remind young angers and parents who are reading this report. Next weekend is the Douglas County Free Kids Fishing Derby at Lampe Park in Gardnerville, June 7th and 8th. This event has been a staple in the area for over 30 years. A weekend where kids ages 3 to 12 years old can get hooked on fishing. Registration is free, but it must be done in person. How can you do that? You can sign up at AJ Stove's in Gardnerville from 9am to 5pm Mon-Fri this week.  Now this is not for kids, we want this to be a family event for all to enjoy. 

The derby is divided up into 7 sessions over this two day event. Each session is an hour and a half. We have volunteers all along willow creek to help net, bait and occasionally untangle a few lines. Pre school kids will be allowed  one parent to accompany them during their session, with volunteers to help back you up. No fishing experience is needed, and you don't even have to own a fishing pole. 

The organization will provide loaner poles and all you need to catch your 2 fish limit. Heck, the volunteers will even clean and bag your fish for you.  But that is not all. The derby volunteers will be serving breakfast burritos and biscuits and gravy for early risers. Then in the afternoon, get ready for burgers and dogs. This my fellow anglers is a first class derby, and also known as the largest free kids derby west of the Mississippi, and well organized. But expect a little craziness, it is still fishing. 

This derby could not  be so successful without volunteers and public donations.  To get more information on this event, go to DCNVKidsFishingDerby.org or KFDMediaTeam@gmail.com. For those that would like to volunteer. Trust me, it is a moment in your life that will make you come back again year after year. To see the look on a kid's face, is priceless. Contact Danny Lozano at DCKFDvolunteers@gmail.com. You must be 13 years of age to be a volunteer. You know the best thing about volunteering is? You don't even have to touch a fish to help our kids. Plus, volunteers will receive a commemorative derby hat and a free meal ticket. I must also emphasize that we always need volunteers. 

It takes over 200 to make this event what it is today. I hope to see you at the derby next weekend. I will be netting fish and baiting  Saturday, while CK Bailey moderates the day. Then look out, I will be taking over the microphone at Sunday's event. But don't let that scare you. I can be docile with a little crazy in the middle.

LAKE TAHOE:  The summer is upon us and the fishing has been good. Cave Rock area with blk/slvr or  hot steel Raps Have been successful. Many have been over on the west shore trolling a dodger and a live minnow with success. For more information, go to J3blancette@yahoo.com or Rubyjeancharters.com.
 
SILVER LAKE:  The launch is open and the fishing is picking up. I prefer a rainbow f5 rap on the far side of the lake. Some anglers have picked up a couple around the parking area with inflated nightcrawlers.
 
CAPLE LAKE:  The resort is open with boat rentals and boat launching. I have not been up there yet this year. But my go to lures are shad raps or Raplas near Woods Creek and by the spillway. Use caution by Woods Creek. They have lure and boat eating rocks in the area. Keep an eye on your depth finder. But that is where fish love to hang out. The lake has rainbows, browns and mackinaws.
 
WOODS LAKE- BURNSIDE LAKE- HIGHLANDS LAKE-POORBOY- SUNSET LAKES AND TAMARACK LAKE: The road was still closed as of this week. But it will open any day now.
 
BLUE LAKES: As of this week. The road was open to the 3rd gate.
 
CARSON RIVER WEST FORK ALPINE COUNTY: The area in Hope Valley has produced some good rainbows in the 1 to 3 lb class. I prefer using a panther Martin spinner. Drifting nightcrawlers into the deeper pools is also productive. For more information. Stop by the Creekside Inn.
 
CARSON RIVER EAST FORK ALPINE COUNTY:  Fishing Has been a little slow. But a few have been caught in the 4 to 6lb class. Anglers have been using mice tails- powr eggs and nightcrawlers in the flater waters. a young angler from Dayton NV named Lilly Ann Blakey caught her 2nd fish of her life on a nightcrawler. The CDFW planted 400 Lahontan Cutthroat trout this week in the river, as far up as Silver Creek. For more info stop by the Carson River Resort.
 
MARKLEEVILLE CREEK. Fishing was hot over the weekend. Many rainbows came out in the 2 to 4 lb class, with a few in the 5 to 6 lb class.
 
NDOW FISH PLANTS; They have been stocking many of the urban ponds these last few weeks. They will continue until the water temps start to climb.
 
Lately, Mitch Pond-Bailey pond-Mountain View pond- Mountain view pond #2- Seeman pond.
 
Good luck on your next fishing adventure. More reports to come as more sun comes our way. If you have a pciture of your catch, send it to sports@recordcourier.com. I hope to see you on the waters soon. Good fishin" and tight lines.


Good luck on your next fishing adventure. If you have a question. a report in our local fishing area or have a photo of your catch, send it to nevada@fishreports.com. Hope to see you on the waters. Good fishin' and tight lines.