Trout Fishing Derby to be held March 24 at Prairie Park Fishery

The Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation Department, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, and Linn County Conservation will hold a Trout Fishing Derby on Saturday, March 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Prairie Park Fishery, 2125 Otis Road SE.  Registration is available on site the morning of the event and is free of charge. Anglers interested in fishing for trout are required to possess an Iowa fishing license and a state trout stamp. The trout stamp may be purchased at any local sporting retailer who sells fishing licenses.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will release 1800 rainbow trout and 200 brook trout into the lake at the Prairie Park Fishery at 10:00 a.m on the day of the derby. The trout will be dumped into the east side of the lake at the boat ramp. 200 trout will be tagged. Tagged fish may be turned in at the registration tent for prizes.

Iowa lakes, including the one at Prairie Park Fishery are too warm to support a year-round trout life-cycle, but excess trout produced by the DNR are used to enhance area lake fishing. Rainbow trout will live through the winter in the fishery. Because these are hatchery raised trout, any lure with a shiny spinner will usually provide for a successful trip.

Prairie Park Fishery is open daily from 6:00 a.m. until dusk (one half hour after sunset). For more information, call Cedar Rapids Parks & Recreation at (319) 286-5760 or go to

www.crrec.org.