SANTA FE RIVER PARK -- EL PARQUE DEL RIO -- 7 A.M. TO NOON

SANTA FE, NM - The City of Santa Fe and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish are sponsoring a free Fishing Derby this Saturday, Oct. 12 for children 11 and under at the Santa Fe River Park from Don Gaspar Avenue upstream to Old Santa Fe Trail. The Department will stock 500 rainbow trout in the Santa Fe River for the event. Children 11 and under who catch the first 10 tagged fish are eligible for prizes. The derby is from 7 a.m. till noon, from noon on any person who fishes that is 12 years or older may do so in the area with a valid fishing license. The derby has traditionally been held in July, but recent rains and the draining of Nichols Reservoir have created water flows in the Santa Fe River sufficient to stock the fish and host the derby.

"The fishing derby is a great occasion for children, parents and grandparents to enjoy their Santa Fe River," said City Councilor Ronald Trujillo.

"This is a great opportunity for Santa Feans to get outside with their families and enjoy the fall weather and a flowing Santa Fe River," Department Fisheries Chief Mike Sloane said. New Mexico fishing licenses can be purchased online at www.wildlife.state.nm.us, or through a participating vendor. The daily bag limit is five trout per day and no more than 10 in possession.

Who: Children 11 and under fish free
What: Children's Fishing Derby
When: 7:00 a.m. - noon Saturday, October 12, 2013
Where: Santa Fe River Park (El Parque del Rio) from Don Gaspar Avenue upstream to Old Santa Fe Trail
Parking: Public parking is available at the St. Francis Cathedral Lot located at 215 Cathedral Place; Archdiocese Lot located at 251 E. Alameda St. off East Alameda St New Mexico; and the New Mexico State Land Office located at 310 Old Santa Fe Trail.