Trout fishing derby set at Prairie Park Fishery

CEDAR RAPIDS – A trout fishing derby will be held March 26 from 9 a.m. to noon at Prairie Park Fishery, 2125 Otis Rd. SE.

Registration is on site at the free event sponsored by the Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation Department, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and Linn County Conservation.

Trout anglers are required to have a state trout stamp, which can be purchased at any fishing license outlet.

The DNR will release 1,800 rainbow trout and 200 brook trout into the lake at the Prairie Park Fishery at 9 a.m. on the day of the derby. The trout will include 50 tagged fish, which 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 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.