The derby had to be rescheduled because warm water temperatures postponed the restocking of fish, according to Lakes and Open Space Superintendent Dan Hippert. He said the extended heat wave over summer caused lake temperatures to be warmer than usual.
Water temperatures need to be below 70 degrees to guarantee a healthy stock of fish. The latest measurement taken was 68.1 degrees on Nov. 13.
The trout season officially began Nov. 12 with Nebraska Tailwalkers from Chaulk Mound Trout Ranch. About 4,500 pounds of fish were deposited into the lake.
Fish licenses are not required because Lake Dixon was granted an Aquaculture Permit by the State of California Department of Fish and Wildlife in 2010, according to Hippert.
Annual revenue to the lake increased 40 percent between 2010 and 2011 because of the Aquaculture permit, Hippert said.
Anglers still need to buy daily lake fishing permits at the concession stand. Youth and senior permits are $5 and adult permits are $7.
There is also a $5 vehicle entry fee into the park, which will be charged each day of the derby.
The derby takes place between 6 a.m. and 4:45 p.m., which is when the fish must be weighed in order to be eligible. There are a variety of ways to win during the three-day event. The angler with the largest trout of the derby will receive a $150 gift card to a local sporting goods store. Each winner in the sub categories, including youth, adult and senior, will receive a $100 gift card.
The angler with the smallest trout of the derby will receive a $40 gift card.
Anglers can also win prizes daily. The angler with the largest trout caught in each age category including youth, adult and senior anglers will receive a $50 gift card, daily. Second place winner in each age category will receive a $40 gift card.
Anyone who catches a fish with a plastic clip on the dorsal fin of a trout will receive a $25 gift certificate.
