April is a huge month for anglers in Central Washington. Many lakes have opened for trout fishing in the Columbia Basin, and the big general trout season opener happens at the end of the month.

There's a really big day planned for fishing families on Saturday, April 16th at Connelly Park in Moses Lake. It's the Third Annual Trout Derby held by the Moses Lake Irrigation and Rehabilitation District and sponsored by Pepsi. Families are invited to come to Connelly Park where they will enjoy a variety of activities that include getting to catch a couple of trout from the launch bay in the park. They should bring their own fishing tackle, and there will be prizes awarded for the biggest fish from three fishing periods. There will be hot dogs and soft drinks available for free.

Families must pre-register for the event at locations in Moses Lake and Ephrata, and there will be a registration form circulated through the Columbia Basin Herald. So don't make any plans for Saturday, April 16th, other than attending the free Kids Fishing Derby at Connelly Park, thanks to the Moses Lake Irrigation and Rehabilitation District and Pepsi!