Seeley, California - Saturday, January 23, the County of Imperial, California Department of Fish & Wildlife and Kiwanis of El Centro will host their annual Imperial Valley Jr. Trout Fishing Derby in Seeley.  The event will run from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Sunbeam Lake.

The annual fishing derby is an opportunity to provide the youth with a day of wholesome outdoor fun and give those children who might never have had an opportunity to fish.  Admission is free to qualified participants.  Participants must be ages 15 and under.  Registration will begin at 6 a.m.  There will be four age groups for boys and girls.  Anglers will have the ability to fish from 7 a.m. until 11 a.m.  Once the derby has completed, the longest trout will be measured to award prizes.  Participants must be registered and present to win.  There will be a five fish limit, one rod per angler.

Please note the date change of this year’s event.  The derby must take place earlier in the year, as trout is a coldwater fish, normally found in cool water streams that are about 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit.  Coldwater fish are extremely sensitive to changes in water temperature.

When streams get too warm, the fish get sluggish and the lake will no longer provide a suitable home for the fish.  

Youth interested in participating and enjoying a family-oriented, fun-filled activity is encouraged to attend.