Lured by the prospect of trophy rainbow trout, the youngsters made runs from shallows to ripples to still ponds searching for a shoal. 

Some anglers leave the fishing derby as others cross the Sugarland Run bridge. The event attracted a possible record number of youngsters.

 

Carlos Aparicio, 10, of Reston, snagged one of the first trout of the day. His friend Inti Tellez, 10, of Reston said, "I came to hang out with my friend, Carlos and go fishing."

What could be more appropriate on the eve of the first day of spring, except for warm sunny weather, no school, and a buddy who allows you to hold his catch. The anglers were not "fin"-ished yet. They cast their gaze to the shoals, hoping for tight lines and a strike.

Trout Unlimited offered a fish fileting station. Volunteers were on hand to teach the children how to bait, cast, hook, and cook their fresh catch.

To fish, teenagers, and adults aged 16 and above needed to hold a valid Virginia State Fishing License. Adults were not permitted to fish during the derby.

Cool weather should keep the fish alive until the water temperature rises to 75-77 degrees for an extended time, rendering the run lethal to trout. Tim Lander, Herndon Parks and Recreation reported 193 children registered to fish that day. 

If you missed Herndon’s fishing derby, Saturday, March 26 is the Reston Association Kids Trout Fishing Day at the Snakeden Branch Stream off Soapstone Drive. For registration assistance, contact naturecenter@reston.org or 703-476-9689 ext. 5. This is an outdoor event with staggered arrival times. Face masks are recommended for adults and children when distancing cannot be maintained. Contract Trout Unlimited for other fishing opportunities in the state at NOVATU.org.

Stocked trout should live in Sugarland Run until the water temperature reaches 75 to 77 degrees for a time.