Cortez fishing clinic, derby nears

Cortez Fishing Derby champion Killian Sanders shows off a 19-inch trout that he pulled out of the Parque de Vida duck pond at last year’s fishing derby.

The Dolores River Anglers of Trout Unlimited and the Parks and Recreation Department of the City of Cortez will host their fifth annual fly fishing clinic and fishing derby on June 11 at Parque de Vida.

The free youth clinic will take place from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. and will cater to youths between the ages 10 and 16 who want to learn about gear, casting, knots and fly tying. The free adult clinic, which is open to beginners and intermediates, will last from 1:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. Those interested in either of the clinics may call the Cortez Recreation Center to preregister.

Beginning at 5 p.m., a fishing derby will take place in the Parque de Vida Pond. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Department will stock with trout. Those participating in the Derby must bring their own equipment. All fish that are caught must be kept and a cleaning station will be available. Derby participants over the age of 16 must have a valid Colorado fishing license.

For more information on the derby, contact Brad Waltman at 970-759-0715.