Bring out the family to Lake Roberts for a morning of fishing, fun, and festivities! 

MIMBRES, NM, May 26, 2023 – Kicking off the start of summer, the 9th Annual Aldo Leopold Kids Fishing Derby is scheduled Saturday, June 3 at Lake Roberts, north of Silver City, New Mexico. This event last took place in 2019, as it was interrupted by COVID in 2020 and 2021, and cancelled due to the Black Fire last year.

“We’re really excited to bring back this popular event this year,” said Wilderness District Ranger Henry Provencio. “The Mora National Fish Hatchery will stock Lake Roberts with retired Gila trout breeder stock for this event, so kids have a shot at catching a record-sized trout!”

The event is sponsored by Gila National Forest, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, Trout Unlimited, and Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy. Smokey Bear will make an appearance to greet all his fans.

The derby coincides with New Mexico’s Free Fishing Day, so licenses are not required (bag limits still apply). Registration for the fishing derby is free and will begin at 8:00 a.m. and run through noon. Prizes will be presented at the end of the event. Let’s go fishing! For more information contact Maribeth Pecotte at 575-388-8211 or Maribeth.Pecotte@usda.gov.