Young anglers lined the shores of Palmer Lake June 6 as the Tri-Lakes Lions Club hosted its annual Tri-Lakes Kids Fishing Derby, drawing 200 children and their families for a morning of fishing, prizes and community service.

The free event, open to children ages 4-14, featured a longest-fish tournament divided into three age categories. Participants were encouraged to donate nonperishable food items during registration to support Tri-Lakes Cares.

By the end of the morning, tournament officials had measured and recorded 381 fish caught around the lake. Colorado Parks and Wildlife stocked Palmer Lake with trout ahead of the event and provided 43 fishing poles to children who needed equipment in order to participate.

Awards were presented to the top five anglers in each age category based on the length of their catch. First-place honors in the 4-7 age division went to Kynley Severe, who landed a 12.5-inch rainbow trout. Natan Carrasco won the 8-11 age division with a 16-inch bass, while David Martinez captured first place in the 12-14 division with a 12.25-inch rainbow trout.

“The tournament could not happen without [sponsors and volunteers],” Tri-Lakes Lions Club member Jim Hazuka said. “Many fish were caught, and most importantly, there were lots of excited kids and parents.”

Hazuka said the Town of Palmer Lake played a significant role in preparing for the event by ensuring the lake, roads and surrounding facilities were ready for participants and spectators. Although attendance was down from last year’s record-setting total of 354 participants, organizers said the turnout remained strong and helped create a family-friendly atmosphere around the lake.

A total of 35 volunteers provided direct support through the derby, of whom represented the Tri-Lakes Lions Club, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Tri-Lakes Cares, Fountain Creek Watershed District, Allstate Insurance, 3G Engagement Digital Marketing, Colorado Friends and Family Fishing, United States Air Force Academy faculty members and other community organizations.

The event also generated support for local families in need. Molly Stephens of Tri-Lakes Cares reported participants donated approximately 200 pounds of food, filling three large bins during the event.

Colorado Friends and Family Fishing, and Roadrunner Bait distributed approximately 200 units of bait to participants, while Bob Stephenson provided tackle items supplied by Sportsman’s Warehouse.

Bass Pro Shops provided giveaway prizes throughout the tournament.

Organizers also surveyed participants during registration to learn how families heard about the event. Of the 167 responses collected, 49 percent cited social media, making it the largest source of awareness.

The Tri-Lakes Lions Club considers the fishing derby its largest annual community service project and one of the organization’s signature events.

“The Tri-Lakes Lions Club serves as the host of the Kids Fishing Derby,” Hazuka said. “It represents our largest community service event each year. Although kids are the focus of the derby, we strive to make this outdoor activity fun for the entire family. Thanks to the continued support of sponsors and volunteers, we again achieved this objective.”

Sponsors included Bass Pro Shops, Rosie’s Diner, Safeway, Colorado Friends and Family Fishing, Tri-Lakes Printing, Allstate Insurance, First National Bank Colorado, Roadrunner Bait, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, 3G Engagement, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Palmer Lake.