Young anglers reel in big wins at annual Lake Poway fishing derby

The 31st annual event featured prizes for top trout catches in three age groups

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The 31st annual Lake Poway Youth Fishing Derby for kids 15 and younger kicked off on February 7th, with young anglers and their families lining the shore to compete for prizes in three age-based categories: 7 and under, 8 to 11, and 12 to 15. The derby featured a grand prize worth $250 for the heaviest trout caught, as well as other tackle and gear for the top finishers in each age group.

Why it matters

The annual fishing derby at Lake Poway is a long-standing tradition that encourages families to get outdoors and introduces young people to the joys of recreational fishing. The event helps foster a love of nature and the outdoors among the next generation.

The details

The lake was stocked with 2,000 pounds of rainbow trout by Wright's Rainbows, a company in Idaho that specializes in supplying trout for recreational fishing ponds. The city also held a free fishing seminar the day before the event to provide participants with tips on favorable trout rigs and bait. Families had the opportunity to camp on the Lake Poway grounds the night before the derby, and the event featured crafts, carnival games, and bounce houses.

  • The 31st annual Lake Poway Youth Fishing Derby took place on February 7, 2026.
  • A free fishing seminar was held on February 6, 2026, the day before the derby.

The players

Allie Simis

Recreation area manager for the city of Poway, who has coordinated the youth fishing derby for 11 years.

Zach Nunn

Senior park ranger, who hosted a free fishing seminar for derby participants.

Phil Headley

Volunteer Reserve Park Ranger, who patrolled the lake during the derby to ensure participants were following the rules.

Wright's Rainbows

A company based in Thacher, Idaho that specializes in supplying trout for recreational fishing ponds and stocked Lake Poway with 2,000 pounds of rainbow trout before the event.

Karina and Aaron Santamaria

A family attending the fishing derby for the first time, accompanied by their friend Lane Yule, a longtime attendee.

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What they’re saying

“Their smiles and excitement remind me how important it is to give kids these moments outside — creating memories, experiencing something new and fostering a lifelong love for the outdoors.”

— Allie Simis, Recreation area manager for the city of Poway (San Diego Union-Tribune)

“I'm patrolling the shoreline to ensure the kids are doing the fishing.”

— Phil Headley, Volunteer Reserve Park Ranger (San Diego Union-Tribune)

“Catching the fish was definitely my favorite part of the day.”

— Aria Santamaria (San Diego Union-Tribune)

What’s next

The city of Poway plans to host the 32nd annual Lake Poway Youth Fishing Derby in February 2027.

The takeaway

The annual Lake Poway fishing derby is a beloved community event that encourages families to enjoy the outdoors and introduces young people to the sport of recreational fishing, helping to foster a lifelong appreciation for nature.