The annual July 4th Kids Fishing Derby at Frantz Lake returns for 2022. The free event, for kids 13 and younger, is sponsored by Trout Unlimited and Colorado Parks & Wildlife. Registration begins at Frantz Lake at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, July 4th, followed by fishing from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. A free hot dog lunch will be provided for contestants and their families. Special prizes will be awarded, including first fish caught, longest fish caught, and contestant who traveled the farthest to participate. All contestants will receive a derby souvenir.

Kids should bring their own fishing gear, water, and sunscreen. At 11:15 derby winners will be announced. Parking is available near the lake. Frantz Lake is located just outside Salida on CR 160 just beyond the golf course. For the duration of the derby event (8:30 am until noon), adults accompanying derby contestants are exempt from the State Wildlife Area (SWA) requirement to possess a hunting or fishing license.