The City of Cortez and the Dolores River Anglers had a great turnout during the seventh annual Fishing Festival & Derby on Saturday at Parque de Vida pavilion and pond.
Organizer Brad Waltman said that while there were 90 people that signed up, there were well over 100 that came out to fish.
Waltman and instructors Chris Purkat, Duncan Rose, Shane Hale and Paul Morey taught children and adults the ins and outs of fly fishing – including information about bugs and different techniques for casting and knot tying – with the event concluding with a fishing derby.
“We’ve just watched this community grow with the fishing derby,” said Waltman. “We did about two-hundred dollars in prizes this year and we just keep giving more out each year.”
Elysha Mustache was the first-place winner on Saturday, catching the first fish of the derby as well as the largest fish (14 inches).
Deerynn Ford finished second with a catch of 13.75 inches, and Kaden Nielson was third with a catch of 13.5 inches.
Alicia and Creed Wilford and family finished the derby with the most fish caught.
Waltman noted that in the past – due to his schedule – the event had taken place during the week.
But by finally being able to host the festival on a Saturday, he believed that more people were able to attend and show up earlier.
“I just want to thank everybody that came out and brought their kids,” he said. “I saw a lot of family bonding. It was great.”