With his first cast, Rowdy Goolsbey pulled in the first trout of the 2021 Powell Kids’ Fishing derby at Homesteader Park at 6 a.m. Saturday. He wasn’t alone. A 15-year high of 175 children registered for the event — a huge difference from last year’s crowd of just 25 anglers due to the pandemic.

Children and their families lined the fishing pond, casting out lures and bait for the feisty brook and cutthroat trout while keeping their ears open for their ticket number to be called, in hopes of collecting one of dozens of door prizes.

Tim Miller, superintendent of the Powell Parks Department, brought his kids Katelyn and Lucas, hoping to land some fat lunch filets. But the three went home empty-handed, despite watching those around them pulling in fish. The Parks Department is responsible for stocking the cement pond.

“I think I’m in trouble,” Miller said sheepishly.

The event encourages children to develop a love for fishing, said Powell Recreation District Director Colby Stenerson. “It’s a lifetime activity the kids can do. It encourages them to get out.”

The park is open for fishing through the summer from dawn until dusk. For Wyoming residents, anglers under 14 do not need a fishing license or conservation stamp. Their creel limit is the same as those requiring licenses. A Wyoming fishing license and a conservation stamp is required for all other anglers.

The Parks Department will restock the pond when needed. Between 1,000 and 1,200 trout are stocked in the park each year — giving Miller and other unlucky parents from Saturday plenty of opportunities for redemption.

Meanwhile, the Kids’ Fishing Day in Cody was a huge success, said Dave Sweet with the East Yellowstone Chapter of Trout Unlimited. They smashed their previous record of 189 anglers, with 320 anglers this year.