A young angler casts his fishing line into the lake at Rancho Seco Recreational Area. Photo courtesy of SMUD

SACRAMENTO REGION (MPG) - SMUD's annual trout derby at the Rancho Seco Recreational Area on April 6 and April 7 features thousands of pounds of trout and prizes up for grabs.

The fishing event has become a tradition for many and has attracted thousands of local participants since it began in 1993.

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. The grand prize for both age groups is a fishing kayak. The grand prizes are provided by The Fish Sniffer magazine and Angler's Press Outdoors.

Anglers can cast a line into the 160-acre lake from the shoreline or from one of six fishing piers. Small boats with electric motors are also allowed (no gas motors are allowed). 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.

 The 400-acre Rancho Seco Recreational Area offers picnic areas, RV and tent camping sites, a beach and swimming spots. Kayaks, rowboats, paddleboards and fishing boats are available to rent. Photo courtesy of SMUD

Registration takes place on both days of the derby between 6 and 10 a.m., rain or shine. Derby tickets are $5 per person for the two-day event with a $12 parking fee at the park gate. A valid California state fishing license is required for anyone at least 16 years old. Anglers hoping to win a prize must weigh their fish at the official weigh station between 2 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.

The Rancho Seco Recreational Area is at 14960 Twin Cities Road, Herald. The 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 provided low-cost, reliable electricity to Sacramento County for more than 75 years.

Today, SMUD's power supply is on average about 50 percent carbon free and SMUD has a goal to reach zero carbon in its electricity production by 2030.

For more information on SMUD's Zero Carbon Plan and its customer programs, visit smud.org.