Fishing in the Central Valley: Youth derby helps hook young anglers

With fewer and fewer families taking their children fishing because of the complications of present-day life, youth fishing events take on increased importance.

The Greg Mark’s Youth Fishing Derby at Shaver Lake is an annual event for area youth, and it is one of the Shaver Lake Trophy Trout Project (SLTTP) programs targeting youth including Trout in the Classroom and programs for disabled youth.

Marks began the event 30 years ago with volunteers from the United States Forest Service, and he requested the SLTTP to take over the derby three years ago.

Many of the existing volunteers are friends and fellow Forest Service employees recruited by Marks.

According event organizer, Michael O’Connell, volunteers from the USFS joined the 25 SLTTP volunteers to provide games, a raffle, casting contest, and a hot dog lunch for the 135 youth participants during the event taking place in early June.

“We have kept many of the traditional games initiated by Marks including the ladder game, Shotgun Plinko, and cornhole along with a fishing pond for 3 and 4-year-olds using magnets,” O’Connell said.

Stephanie Barnes has run the Shotgun Plinko game for years, and Smokey the Bear was present to greet children along with wardens from the Department of Fish and Wildlife to issue junior fishing licenses.

Every child was scheduled to take home a raffle prize, and we provide trophies in a variety of categories including Most Fish in three age divisions: 3-6; 7-10; and 11-15 along with Largest Fish. Gavin Lee won Largest Fish with an 18.5-inch trout. The lake was full, the weather was great, and all who attended had a terrific time. Volunteers measured and counted fish, ran eight different games and activities, and cooked a hot dog lunch for over 135 participants and their parents or chaperones.” None of this would take place without sponsor support. Southern California Edison waives the daily entrance fee, and long-time sponsors Sierra Marina, Education Employees Credit Union, Fresno Ag, Valley Rod and Gun, the USFS, and Shaver Lake Sports are huge supporters of the event. The online registration for next year’s derby will begin May 1, 2025, and the event fills up within a few days of the opening of registration at https://shaverlaketrophytroutproject.org/ .

Organizations such as the Shaver Lake Trophy Trout Project are picking up the slack and providing opportunities for youth outside of the comfort of their electronic screens. It only takes one small event to light the fire of fishing in a youth, and with fewer young anglers fishing regularly with their families, youth fishing events help fill that void.

Dave Hurley is a longtime educator, fishing writer and member of the California Outdoors Hall of Fame.