AM Competitive Trout Derby Registration

Please submit this form to register for the competitive morning session of the trout derby. This session takes place from 7:30am until 10:30am. Trophies will be awarded immediately following this session. Anglers of all ages and skill levels are welcome to participate in the competitive session.

Q&A

When does the Derby take place?

The Derby takes place on January 24, 2026. There are two sessions – one in the morning, and one in the afternoon. The morning session runs from 7:30am to 10:30am, and the afternoon session takes place from 12:00pm to 3:00pm. The morning session is the competitive session and trophies will be awarded immediately following this session.  The afternoon session is for fun and no trophies will be awarded. Anglers of all ages and skill-levels are welcome to join either or both sessions.

Where does the derby take place?

The derby takes place at Tierra Verde Lake Park in Litchfield Park. The address is 301 S Old Litchfield Rd, Litchfield Park, AZ, 85340.

How much does it cost to participate?

The cost is $15 per 10 foot space, which accommodates a maximum of four (4) anglers. During the derby, fishing is restricted to two (2) lines per person and no more than one (1) hook per line.

Is there parking available?

Public street parking is available on a first come, first served basis in the immediate local area.

Is a fishing license required?

A fishing license is not required to participate in the Derby. If you wish to fish after the Derby, a fishing license is required. These can be obtained from the Litchfield Park Recreation Center, 100 S Old Litchfield Rd. during normal business hours or onsite at one of the check-in booths once the derby has begun.

Do we need to bring our own fishing rods?

Yes. Please bring your own rods, tackle, bait, and whatever else you need to fish. You may bring any chairs, blankets, and coolers that will fit in your designated 10 foot space.

Will food be available?

Yes. Breakfast and lunch will be available for purchase from Boy Scout Troop 99. You are also free to bring your own food. No alcoholic beverages are permitted to be consumed onsite.

Can I register on site the morning of the Derby?

On-site registration is NOT guaranteed. Registration is available online only.

Can I camp overnight at the lake?

No. Overnight or pre-dawn camping will NOT be permitted. Local police officers will be monitoring the area overnight.

Are spectators allowed to come watch the derby? 

You may bring non-fishing family members or friends as part of your group. HOWEVER, we will only provide 4 wristbands per reserved space. Only those with wristbands are allowed to fish during the derby.

How can I win a trophy?

Trophies will be awarded during the AM session only for following categories:

(1)   Shortest Trout                         

(2)   Longest Trout                          

(3)   Heaviest Trout 

The trophies are broken down into 4 age groups:

Men ages 16 & over

Women ages 16 & over

Boys ages 15 & under

Girls ages 15 & under                     

How can I win a raffle prize?

Raffle Prizes and prizes for tagged fish caught will be awarded.  Raffle tickets are $2 each or 3 for $5. For the best deal, purchase 25 raffle tickets for only $20! Typical raffle prizes include fishing and camping gear and accessories, including fishing poles. Raffle tickets are available for purchase online at Eventeny.com and onsite the day of the derby.

What bait is good?

People use canned corn, salmon eggs, fish dough, etc.

How many trout will be in the lake and how big are they?

Approximately 1,000 trout (750 lbs.) ranging from 8 to 20 inches long.

Can I keep the trout?

Unless you are competing for one of the trophy categories, we recommend catch and release to help keep our lake's fish population sustainable and to avoid consumption of inedible fish.

What if the fish I catch is not a trout?

If you catch a species other than a trout at the derby, it will not be eligible for the competition. However, a limit of 4 bass or catfish may be caught.

Can I use fishing lures?

Yes, you may for the Derby.

Can I use any hooks or do they have to be single barbless hooks?

Single hooks would be good, but we don’t require that they be barbless.

What if I have more questions?

Please feel free to call us at 623-935-9040, email us EventOps@litchfieldpark.gov, or visit our website at litchfieldpark.gov.