Anglers reel in big trout and awards at Annual McSwain Spring Derby

Participants in the Spring Trout Derby at Lake McSwain hauled in plenty of trout, and had plenty of fun this past weekend.

The tournament was managed through the smart phone app FishDonkey, with 211 anglers participating, according to a news release from Merced Irrigation District.

“It was absolutely fantastic up here,” said MID Parks and Recreation Director Brooke Gutierrez said in the release. “Everyone had a great time and they caught a lot of fish. You couldn’t have asked for better weather.”

The Derby was held from 6 a.m. on Saturday, April 1, to noon on Sunday, April 2.

The winners were:

Largest Trout: $2,000

John Yang – 19.5 inches

Stringer of 3 Longest Trout: $2,000

James Ruben Reyes – 18.75 inches; 17.50 inches; 15.50 inches for a total of 51.75 inches.

Wild Card: $500

Beni Gonzalez – 22.75 inches

Wild Card Kid’s Trout: Fishing Pole and Tackle Box (Sponsored by Splash N Dash/Reel Deal Café and Market)

Nico Anes – 13.5 inches

“It was another great Spring Derby,” said MID’s Gutierrez. “Whether it was a prize, or just fresh air and spring sunshine, everybody won.”

This story was originally published April 9, 2023 at 5:00 AM.