Trout derby kicking off March 25

Local anglers of all stripes will have the chance to win big while helping a local entity at an upcoming fishing event.

The eighth annual Spring Trout Derby, held March 25 at Oasis State Park, brings fishermen of all ages and backgrounds from across the region, according to Park Manager Jim Whary.

"We get them from Curry County, Roosevelt County, we even get some from some of the counties in western Texas. They can come as far as up from Roswell and from Fort Sumner," he said.

The average trout derby brings around 170 participants to Oasis, Whary said, adding that entry fees go toward the Friends of Oasis group, which consists of volunteers who help the park's full-time staff.

"The money collected by the Friends group helps fund Oasis. It's a small group of people that has an interest in this park, and any money that they collect stays here at Oasis. It does not go into the general fund. It's for incidentals and stuff like that," he said.

Participants will fish from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. at the park's office) and will attempt to catch tagged trout. 40 trout with color-coated tags - which will include $10, $25, $50 and $100 tags - will be distributed throughout the lake, and participants must leave the tag in the fish to receive any prize money, according to Whary.

With the end of winter trout season and the improvement of weather, the event provides families with an early opportunity to spend time together outdoors, Whary said.

"It just brings families out together, because this is open to all ages. It's time to get the family outdoors again. It's important for families to spend time together, outdoors or indoors," he said.

Registration fees for the derby are $5 per person, with a park entry fee of $5 per vehicle for non-annual permit holders. Entrants over the age of 12 must have a valid New Mexico fishing license.

For more information, call 575-356-5331.