The annual July 4th kids fishing derby at Frantz Lake returns for its 32th year. The free event
for kids 13 and younger is sponsored by the Collegiate Peaks Chapter of Trout Unlimited
and Colorado Parks & Wildlife.
Registration begins at Frantz Lake at 8:30 am on Friday, July 4th, followed by fishing from
9:45 to 10:45 am. A hot dog lunch and sodas will be available for contestants and their
families. Special prizes will be awarded, including first fish caught, longest fish caught,
youngest contestant, and contestant who travelled farthest to participate. All contestants
will receive a souvenir derby t-shirt.
Kids should bring their own fishing gear, water, and sunscreen. Fishing equipment will be
provided free to participants without their own gear. Derby winners will be announced at
11:15 am. Parking is available near the lake. Frantz Lake is located just north of Salida on
CR 160 near the hospital. For the duration of the derby event (8:30 am until noon), adults
accompanying derby contestants are exempt from the State Wildlife Area (SWA)
requirement to possess a valid hunting license, fishing license, or access pass to utilize the
property. However, if people aged 16 or older choose to fish they must have a valid
Colorado fishing license. For more information, visit www.collegiatepeakstu.org
