Youth Fishing Tournaments: Where to Take Your Kids Fishing in Northeast Ohio

Looking for a fishing derby for the kids? You're in luck because there are quite a few fishing derbies taking place across Northeast Ohio during the spring and summer months. The events give children the opportunity to learn how to fish and join in a friendly competition for a chance to win prizes.

So dust off your rods and reels, grab a bucket of bait and head out to one of these events. Note that many require preregistration.

Ohio's Free Fishing Days

Over Father’s Day weekend – June 19-20, 2021 – in the State of Ohio, fishing for all residents is free. {Find Out More}

Let's Go Fishing
Over Father’s Day weekend in the State of Ohio, fishing for all residents is free. This event is open to “teams of two,” consisting of a parent or guardian and anyone 17 years and under. Contestants may enter a maximum of five fish per day for 10 entries during the two-day event. {Find Out More}
Where: Any body of water in Ohio
When: June 19-20, 2021

Fishing Tournaments in Ashland County

Perrysville – FREE iHeart Radio Summer Beach Festival + Kids Fishing
Enjoy a day of fun at the beach with kids fishing (ages 15 & under), beach swimming, swim with a Mermaid, Little Buckeye Museum kids activities, live Celebrity DJ’s from 101.3 WNCO & Y105 on the beach, Whoa Zone inflatable water park, exhibits and displays, and more! {Find Out More}
Where: Pleasant Hill Lake Park, 3431 State Route 95, Perrysville, OH 44864
When: Saturday, June 5, 2021

Fishing Tournaments in Cuyahoga County

Cleveland – FREE Family Fishing Workshop at Rockefeller Park Lagoon
Join Doan Brook Watershed Partnership and Cleveland Metroparks Youth Outdoors for fun, family-friendly fishing. After learning the basics, everyone can test their luck fishing for stocked trout in the beautiful Rockefeller Lagoon. {Find Out More}
Where: Rockefeller Park Lagoon, Cleveland, OH 44106
When: Saturday, May 22, 2021

Cleveland – FREE Pop-Up Kids Fish During the Progressive North Coast Harbor Boat Show at North Coast Harbor
Kids 16 & under: grab your fishing gear & head to the pier for this free Annual Kids Fish CLE. Awards for first catch of the day, in addition to biggest and smallest fish caught, every hour. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, September 11, 2021; 12pm-2pm
Where: Voinovich Park, 800 E. 9th St. Pier, Cleveland, OH 44114

Cuyahoga Heights – FREE Fall Family Fishing Fest
Children and families are invited to a free, fun fishing event along the Ohio and Erie Canal just down the hill from CanalWay Center. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, October 16, 2021; 10am-2pm
Where: Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation, Ohio & Erie Canal, 4524 E. 49th St., Cleveland, OH 44125

Fishing Tournaments in Lake County

Chardon – Go Fish! with Lake Metroparks {Find Out More}
Where: Girdled Road Reservation – South, 12926 Radcliffe Rd., Chardon, OH 44024
When:
– Tuesday, September 7, 2021; 2:30pm-3:30pm or 4pm-5pm

Painesville – FREE Family Fishing Frenzy with Lake Metroparks {Find Out More}
Where: Hidden Lake, 7024 Kniffen Rd., Painesville, OH 44077
When: Saturday, June 12, 2021; 5pm-7pm WAITLIST

Kirtland – Adapted Fantastic Fishing with Lake Metroparks
Learn fishing basics as we try to catch bluegill, catfish and largemouth bass. This program is designed for individuals with disabilities. {Find Out More}
Where: Lake Metroparks Farmpark, 8800 Euclid Chardon Rd., Kirtland, OH 44094
When:
– Thursday, June 17, 2021; 6pm-7pm WAITLIST
– Thursday, July 15, 2021; 6pm-7pm WAITLIST
– Thursday, August 19, 2021; 6pm-7pm WAITLIST

Kirtland – Adapted Fantastic Fishing with Lake Metroparks
Learn fishing basics as we try to catch bluegill, catfish and largemouth bass. This program is designed for individuals with disabilities. {Find Out More}
Where: Lake Metroparks Farmpark, 8800 Euclid Chardon Rd., Kirtland, OH 44094
When:
– Thursday, September 9, 2021; 6pm-7pm
– Thursday, November 4, 2021; 5:15pm-6:15pm

Painesville – Go Fish! with Lake Metroparks {Find Out More}
Where: Hidden Lake, 7024 Kniffen Rd., Painesville, OH 44077
When:
– Tuesday, June 22, 2021; 6pm-7pm WAITLIST
– Tuesday, July 13, 2021; 6pm-7pm WAITLIST
– Thursday, August 19, 2021; 6pm-7pm WAITLIST

Mentor – PerchFest
Anglers of all ages will be invited to participate in fishing tournaments and clinics. Plus, enjoy children’s activities, games, live entertainment, vendors, and more. {Find Out More}
Where: Mentor Lagoons Marina, 8365 Harbor Dr., Mentor, OH 44060
When: August 27-29, 2021

Fishing Tournaments in Lorain County

North Ridgeville – Fishing Derby at South Central Park
Join in for a fun-filled morning of fishing. [REGISTER] {Find Out More}
Where: 7565 Avon Belden Rd., North Ridgeville, OH 44039
When: Saturday, May 1, 2021

Avon Lake – FREE Fishing with Friends
Poles, bait, and knowledgeable attendants will be available. Ages 15 and younger. {Find Out More}
When: Every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday this summer beginning June 16, 2021; 10am-2pm
Where: Walker Road Park Reservoir, 31621 Walker Rd., Avon Lake 44012

Avon – FREE Avon Lions Club Annual Fishing Derby
The Avon Lions annual fishing derby for kids will once again take place at Northgate Park. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, August 7, 2021; 8am-10am
Where: Northgate Park, 2155 Eaton Dr., Avon, OH 44011

Fishing Tournaments in Medina County

Sharon Center – FREE Family Fishing with Medina County Park District
Families are invited to fish at the ponds at Oenslager Nature Center. (Fishing is permitted at this park only during this program.) Staff and volunteer fishermen will be available to assist you and your family.
When:
Saturday, July 10, 2021; 9am-12pm {Find Out More}
Saturday, July 24, 2021; 9am-12pm {Find Out More}
Where: Oenslager Nature Center, 6100 Ridge Rd., Sharon Center, OH 44274

Sharon Center – Nature Explorers: Go Fish with Medina County Parks – WAIT LIST
Completely outdoors, these programs are designed for your nature-loving child. Register your 7-12-year-old for this drop-off program. {Find Out More}
When: Thursday, July 15, 2021; 9:30am-12pm
Where: Oenslager Nature Center, 6100 Ridge Rd., Sharon Center, OH 44274

Fishing Tournaments in Portage County

Aurora – Fishing Derby at Sunny Lake Park in Aurora
Trophies and raffle prizes! A hot dog, chips, and a drink per person are included. {Find Out More}
Where: Sunny Lake South, 885 E. Mennonite Rd., Aurora, OH 44202
When: Sunday, June 5, 2021

Ravenna – FREE Take a Kid Fishing Day
This exciting family event provides kids with the opportunity to spend a day outdoors learning to fish. Free hotdog lunch and activities for everybody! The event is for children 16 and under and their families. {Find Out More}
Where: Lake Hodgson, 5331 Lakewood Rd., Ravenna, OH 44266
When: Saturday, June 5, 2021

Canfield – FREE Hooked on Fishing at Mill Creek Metro Parks
Join the MetroParks Police as they teach children about the sport of fishing in this Derby-style event. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, June 12, 2021; 10am-2pm
Where: MetroParks Farm, 7574 Columbiana-Canfield Rd., Canfield, OH 44406

Streetsboro – FREE Let's Go to the Fishing Hole at Summit Metroparks
Kids ages 15 and younger can learn the basics of fishing, then drop a line in Tinkers Creek Lake. {Find Out More}
Where: Liberty Park, Tinkers Creek Area, 10303 Aurora-Hudson Rd., Streetsboro, OH 44241
When: Saturday, April 17, 2021

Streetsboro – FREE Streetboro Fishing Derby
Each participant will receive a small fishing pack and entry to contests. Bring your own fishing gear and bait. All ages. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, August 7, 2021; 8am-10am
Where: Thomas Heritage Park, OH-303, Streetsboro, OH 44241

Streetsboro – FREE Here Fishy Fishy at Summit Metro Parks
Kids ages 15 and younger will learn the basics of fishing, then drop a line and see what they can catch. {Find Out More}
When: Sunday, October 24, 2021; 10am-12pm
Where: Liberty Park, Tinkers Creek Area, 10303 Aurora-Hudson Rd., Streetsboro, OH 44241

Fishing Tournaments in Stark County

Alliance – Catfish with Cops
Police officers and community locals gather together and enjoy the sport of fishing. There will be a demonstration with K-9 Ranger Gunnar. {Find Out More}
Where: Walborn Reservoir, 11324 Price St. NE, Alliance, OH 44601
When: Saturday, July 31, 2021; 5pm–10pm

Canton – FREE Canton Parks & Rec Youth Fishing Derby
Enjoy a fun morning of fishing and prizes. This is a catfish derby. Ages 4-15. {Find Out More}
Where: Westbrook Pond Park, 13th St. & Harrison Ave. NW, Canton, OH 44708
When: Saturday, May 22, 2021

Canton – FREE Ranger for a Day
Each child will have the opportunity to collect useful items to help them be a better Ranger at each station. The Berkley Fishing Team will be on hand to teach fishing skills in the pond. At 4 pm, everyone is invited to watch K-9 Gunnar in action as he demonstrates his skills. {Find Out More}
Where: Tam O'Shanter Park, Clubhouse, 5055 Hills and Dales Rd. NW, Canton, OH 44708
When: Saturday, September 25, 2021; 1pm-4:30pm

Fishing Tournaments in Summit County

Akron – FREE Kid's Fishing at Summit Metroparks
Join a naturalist to kick off the fishing season (socially distanced) at Little Turtle Pond. Children ages 15 and under (accompanied by an adult) are invited to get outside and fish.
Where: Firestone Metro Park, Little Turtle Pond, 2400 Harrington Rd., Akron, OH 44319
When:
– Saturday, April 24, 2021 {Find Out More}
– Sunday, October 10, 2021; 9am-1pm {Find Out More}

Akron – FREE Here Fishy Fishy at Summit Metroparks
Kids age 15 and younger will learn the basics of fishing, then drop a line and see what they can catch. {Find Out More}
Where: Furnace Run Metro Park, Brushwood Area, 4955 Townsend Rd., Richfield, OH 44286
When: Sunday, September 12, 2021; 1pm-3pm

Akron – Kid's Fishing at Summit Metroparks
Kids age 15 and younger can learn the basics of fishing, then drop a line in Summit Lake. {Find Out More}
Where: Summit Lake Nature Center, 411 Ira Ave., Akron, OH 44301
When: Sunday, September 26, 2021; 9am-1pm

Akron – Fall Celebration: Kids' Fishing at Summit Metroparks
Kids age 15 and younger can learn the basics of fishing, then drop a line in Summit Lake. {Find Out More}
Where: Firestone Metro Park, Little Turtle Pond, 2400 Harrington Rd., Akron, OH 44319
When: Sunday, October 10, 2021; 9am-1pm

Barberton – Barberton Labor Day BBQ & Music Festival
This event includes a fishing derby in addition to barbeque vendors, music, kids programs, and more. {Find Out More}
Where: 615 W. Park Ave., Barberton, OH 44203
When: September 4-6, 2021

Cleveland – FREE Family Learn to Fish Day at Summit Metroparks
Join Cleveland Metroparks for fun, family-friendly fishing! Learn the basics from tackle and technique to casting, fish ID, and handling. After learning the basics, everyone can test their luck fishing for stocked trout and resident panfish in the Ohio and Erie Canal Fishing Area. {Find Out More}
Where: Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation, 4524 E. 49th St., Cleveland, OH 44125
When: Saturday, April 24, 2021

Norton – FREE Kid's Fishing at Summit Metroparks
Kids ages 7 to 15: Let’s go fishing! After a short lesson, kids will be able to test their skills for about an hour. {Find Out More}
Where: Silver Creek Metro Park, Boathouse Area, 5171 S. Medina Line Rd., Norton, OH 44203
When: Saturday, May 22, 2021

Stowe – Children's Fishing Derby
Children are invited to try their hand at fishing. For ages 3-15. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, May 8, 2021; 8:30am-12pm
Where: Heritage Lake at Silver Springs Park, 5238 Young Rd., Stow, OH 44224 (Young Rd. entrance to the park)

Fishing Tournaments in Tuscarawas County

New Philadelphia First Town Days: Fishing Derby
This fishing derby is part of the First Town Days Festival. {Find Out More}
Where: Tuscora Park Lake, New Philadelphia, OH 44663
When: Sunday, July 4, 2021; 8:30am

More Fun to Come: We Hope to See These Events Again

The following events are typically held each year, but we do not have current information for them yet. If you have details on any of these events or know of any other fishing events for kids, please submit the details we'll add them to the list.

FREE Take a Kid Fishing Day at Stark Parks
Walmart's 18th annual event: take your kid fishing on this special day. Includes a free hot dog lunch for families, prizes and fishing equipment giveaways for children. No fishing license is needed for any family member. Bring your own bait, hook and bobbers. {Find Out More}
When: TBA
Where: Lake Hodgson, 5331 Lakewood Rd., Ravenna, OH 44266

FREE Cook's Lagoon Children & Senior Fishing Derby
The Cook's Lagoon Children and Senior Fishing derby, for children ages 4-15 and adults 65 and over, takes place at Cook's Lagoon Park in Canton. Bait, beverages, and food will be for sale. Bring your own pole. Prizes and trophies are provided by the Stark Parks, Stark County Federation of Conservation Clubs, and the Berkley Fishing Team. {Find Out More}
When: TBA
Where: Cook's Lagoon Park, 1819 Mahoning Rd. NE, Canton 44705

FREE Young Anglers Fishing Derby
The lake will be stocked with hundreds of catfish for children thru age 15 to catch for fun and prizes and sharpen their fishing skills. Old pros will be on hand for tips on bait, tackle, and identification. Lunch will be served at noon. {Find Out More}
When: TBA
Where: Findley State Park, 25381 State Route 58, Wellington, OH 44090

Night Fishing Derby
The Sippo Lake Night Fishing Derby is open to participants of all ages. Those age 16 and older must present a current valid fishing license to enter. Children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Snacks and bait are available at the Sippo Lake Marina. Prizes will be awarded; winners must be present to receive their prize. {Find Out More}
When: TBA
Where: Sippo Lake Park, 5300 Tyner St. NW, Canton, OH 44708

FREE Eastlake Family Day Kids Fishing {Find Out More}
When: TBA
Where: 201 Erie Rd., Eastlake, OH 44095

FREE Kids Farm Fun Day & Fishing Derby at Malabar Farm State Park
Children have a chance to learn about agriculture with hands-on activities and children’s games. {Find Out More}
When: TBA
Where: 4050 Bromfield Rd., Lucas, OH 44843

FREE Sandy & Beaver Canal Fishing Derby
The Sandy & Beaver Canal Fishing Derby, for children ages 4-15, takes place at Whitacre Greer Park in Waynesburg. Bait will be provided. Beverages and food will be for sale. Bring your own pole. {Find Out More}
When: TBA
Where: Whitacre Greer Park, 4290 Irish Rd. NW, Waynesburg, 44688

FREE Bob Meister Special Needs Kids Fishing Derby
The Meister Fishing Derby is exclusively for individuals with special needs. Sponsored by Stark Parks and the Berkley Fishing Team, this event will take place on the accessible Sherban Fishing Pier and the shoreline at Sippo Lake. Following the derby, prizes will be awarded and a pizza lunch will be served. {Find Out More}
When: TBA
Where: Sippo Lake Park, 5300 Tyner St. NW, Canton, OH 44708

FREE Black River Game Club Fishing Derby
Come and enjoy a fun-filled day of fishing, food, and prizes. Open to the public, ages 3-15. Contact the Black River Gam Club Trustees for sign-up information. {Find Out More}
When: TBA
Where: Findley State Park (Picnic Point Shelterhouse), 25381 State Route 58, Wellington, OH 44090

FREE Pep Tamargo Memorial/Berkley Fishing Derby at Stark Parks
The Pep Tamargo Memorial children’s fishing derby sponsored by the Berkley Fishing Team and Stark Parks is open to all children ages 4-15. {Find Out More}
When: TBA
Where: Sippo Lake Park & Marina, 5300 Tyner St. NW, Canton, OH 44708

Westlake Fishing Derby
The annual youth fishing derby is for kids ages 12 and under. {Find Out More}
When: TBA
Where: Recreation Center Park, 28955 Hilliard Blvd., Westlake, OH 44145

FREE Mayor's Fishing Rodeo
The rodeo is open to children ages 2-12 living in the North Canton school district. {Find Out More}
When: TBA [REGISTER]
Where: Price Park, 1000 W. Maple St., North Canton, OH 44720

FREE City of Macedonia Family Fishing Day
Ages 17 and under will be provided with a fishing rod, bait, and lunch. This is a FREE program funded by the ODNR Division of Wildlife. {Find Out More}
When: TBA
Where: Macedonia Family Recreation Center, 1494 E. Aurora Rd., Macedonia, OH 44056

FREE Avon Lake Fall Fishing Derby
This year the Fall Fishing Derby moves over to Walker Road Park, where you will have the opportunity to catch Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, BIG catfish, and more. This is primarily a catch-and-release fishing tournament. However, The Avon Lake Boat Club will be frying up delicious fish sandwiches! Additionally, the Avon Lake Boat Club will help you learn to filet 1 fish if you so choose. Bring each fish you catch over to the Entry Table to be measured and added to our winner's board if you top the current leader! Bring a pole (if you do not have one, poles will be provided on a first come first served basis). Bait will be provided. Registration is encouraged but drop-ins are welcome! {Find Out More}
When: TBA
Where: Walker Road Park Reservoir, 31621 Walker Rd., Avon Lake 44012

FREE Cops ‘N Kids “Take Me Fishing”
Come enjoy fishing with the Middlefield Police Department. Kids need to bring their own fishing pole and hook. Bait will be provided. Ages: 17 and under. {Find Out More}
When: TBA
Where: Bob Giardina Lake (formally Mineral Lake), 15820 Ridgewood Dr., Middlefield, OH 44062

Trout Derby at Summit Metroparks
Anglers 15 and younger each receive a $1 cash prize if they catch a golden trout. Bring fishing gear. A limited number of rods and reels will be available for use during the derby. Minnows cannot be used as bait; worms will be available for purchase. Adults are not permitted to fish. Co-sponsored by the Goodyear Hunting & Fishing Club, Ohio Division of Wildlife, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.{Find Out More}
When: TBA
Where: Firestone Metro Park, Little Turtle Pond, 2400 Harrington Rd., Akron, OH 44319

FREE Jack Cullen Memorial Trout Derby
Bait, beverages, and food will be for sale. Bring your own pole. Door prizes and trophies are provided by the Stark County Park District, Stark County Federation of Conservation Clubs, and the Berkley Fishing Team. No online registration is required, but you will need to register on-site the day of the event. For children ages 4-15. {Find Out More}
When: TBA
Where: Lock 4 Trailhead at Lock 4 Park, 6600 Block of Erie Ave. NW, Canal Fulton, OH 44614

FREE Jackson Parks Fishing Derby
Children ages 15 and under are invited to participate in the Jackson Parks Fishing Derby at Jackson North Park. Children should bring their own poles and bait and try to catch one of the many fish stocked especially for this event. {Find Out More}
Where: North Park, 7660 Fulton Rd. NW, Massillon, OH 44646
When: TBA

FREE Recreation Trout Derby in Green
There will be awards for the largest fish caught, the most fish caught, and more! {Find Out More}
When: CANCELED
Where: Boettler Park, 5300 Massillon Rd., North Canton, OH 44720

Richard Fry Memorial Catfish Derby
Bait, beverages, and food will be for sale. Bring your own pole. Prizes and trophies are provided by the Stark Parks, Stark County Federation of Conservation Clubs, and the Berkley Fishing Team. For children ages 4-15. {Find Out More}
When: TBA
Where: Petros Lake Park, Woodland Shelter & Lakeview Shelter, 3519 Perry Dr. SW, Canton, OH 44706

FREE Special Needs Trout Derby at Summit Metroparks
This derby is only special needs children and adults will be permitted to fish. Trophies will be awarded for the three largest fish caught by anglers 15 and younger. {Find Out More}
When: TBA
Where: Firestone Metro Park, Little Turtle Pond, 2400 Harrington Rd., Akron, OH 44319

Family Fishing Day at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center
Here’s your chance to introduce the family to fishing! Learn about the basics at the Center: equipment, how to cast, where to fish, and what kind of fish you’ll catch. Then head to Lake Erie to cast your line in the water. All equipment will be provided. For families with children ages 5+. {Find Out More}
When: TBA
Where: 28728 Wolf Rd., Bay Village, OH 44140