With the gift-giving season just around the corner, you may be looking for a unique way to get kids ages 7 to 15 away from the holiday hustle and bustle.
The Trout Derby for Kids at Glen Helen Regional Park in San Bernardino just might be the answer for that much needed ‘breather’ in the great outdoors from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 21.
The Trout Derby is free with a $10 vehicle entry fee into the park at 2555 Glen Helen Parkway in San Bernardino.
There will be 25 prizes awarded totaling $1,000 including trophies for first, second and third place. There’s even a trophy for the smallest trout caught!
Here are the rules:
Derby Registration –Day use vehicle entry is required to be purchased at the front gate on the day of the event.
Children participating in the derby will need to obtain a Regional Parks issued Derby Wristband from the
Weigh-in Station located at the small lake prior to fishing on the day of the event.
A Regional Parks issued wristband must be worn at all times by anglers participating in the derby.
Fishing Fee/Derby Entry is free with the exception of the day use vehicle entry fee of $10.00. Derby participants
must be between the ages of 7-15 years old; and participants must be accompanied by an adult chaperone.
Gates open at 7 a.m. Derby hours: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Derby will take place at both lakes.
Air horn signifies derby start at 8 a.m. – NO LINES IN THE WATER BEFORE 8 a.m. Air horn will also signify
derby end at 1 p.m.
Derby participants are not required to possess a State Fishing License. State Fishing Licenses are only
required for persons age 16 years and older.
Adults may assist younger children with casting and retrieving, but participant must be present and “hands on”
the fishing pole when retrieving line and catch.
All State and County Fishing Regulations apply (except second pole stamp).
Shoreline fishing only; no boat fishing will be allowed by derby participants.
Participants must fish with only ONE closely attended fishing rod, one participant – one pole. No hand lines are
allowed.
Catch and release is strictly prohibited. Snagging of fish is also prohibited and will not qualify for prizes.
Fish must be brought to the prize area for weigh-in by 1 p.m. In order to qualify for derby prize (s), all fish
must be freshly caught and fresh in appearance.
Derby prizes will be awarded for the largest trout caught only during the derby hours on the day of the derby.
Derby hours: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Prize awards start at approximately 1:10 p.m. Winner need not be
present. Derby prizes must be picked up from the Regional Parks Office (777 E. Rialto Avenue, San
Bernardino) within 30 days of the derby date. Prizes not picked up within 30 days will be forfeited.
Anglers and/or persons who are found to be in violation of any fishing derby rules, local, state, or federal laws in
or about event site will be disqualified from the competition. Wristband will be forfeited and removed.
All decisions of park staff, derby judges, and those associated with the event are final. Park personnel have the
right to disqualify anyone in violation of any derby rule.
Will be my first derby with three grandchildren ages 8, 9 and twelve. Will there be any bait or loaner poles.
How do I find out about other derbies (adult/kids)?
Hi Victor! We are excited that you are interested in the trout derby. Unfortunately we don’t have loaner poles or bait. You must bring your own. For more information about more derbies, you can call Regional Parks at 909-387-2461 or visit their website at sbcounty.gov/parks
What are they biting on over there right now ?
This will be my 1st derby with my 2 grandsons Anthony 10 and Aaron 8. Grandpa was the one who fished with them but he passed away 5 months ago so I am going to give it my best. My boys love fishing. I am excited and a little scared but we are going to be there.