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 18-19, 2022 – in the State of Ohio, fishing for all residents is free. {Find Out More}
Free Fishing Days
Over Father’s Day weekend, Ohio residents are invited to experience Ohio’s fantastic public fishing opportunities without purchasing a license. All size and bag limits apply during these two days. {Find Out More}
Where: Any body of water in Ohio
When: June 18-19, 2022
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Ashland | Cuyahoga | Lake | Lorain | Mahoning | Medina | Portage | Stark | Summit | Tuscarawas
Fishing Tournaments in Ashland County
Perrysville – FREE iHeart Radio Beach Festival + Kids Fishing Derby
Enjoy a day of fun at the beach, featuring WhoaZone Inflatable Water Course, live DJ Music, kayaking, paddleboarding, Kids Fishing Derby, Mermaid Swim, and children's games and activities! {Find Out More}
Where: Pleasant Hill Lake Park, 3431 State Route 95, Perrysville, OH 44864
When: Saturday, June 4, 2022
Fishing Tournaments in Cuyahoga County
Cleveland – FREE Family Fishing Workshop
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. [REGISTER] {Find Out More}
Where: Rockefeller Park Lagoon, Cleveland, OH 44106
When: Saturday, April 2, 2022
Cuyahoga Heights – FREE Children's Fishing Derbies
Hungry trout, catfish, and a variety of other fish are ready to lure young anglers to try their luck and compete for prizes. Children can learn to cast or test their skills at Casting Challenge. Two sessions each day – children ages 4-8 and youth ages 9-15. {Find Out More}
Where:
May 21: Wallace Lake, Millstream Run Reservation, Berea, OH 44017
May 22: Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation, Ohio & Erie Canal, 4524 E. 49th St., Cleveland, OH 44125
When: May 21-22, 2022
Cuyahoga Heights – Fishing Basics
Learn how to set up your fishing rig to catch a variety of local fish within Cleveland Metroparks. Basic knot tying and casting will be discussed before you drop a line and try to catch your own fish. All ages with registered & participating adult. {Find Out More}
Where: Wallace Lake, Millstream Run Reservation, Berea, OH 44017
When: Tuesday, May 31, 2022
North Royalton – Modock Jr. Fishing Derby
Kids will fish from 10 am-noon, competing for trophies in three age groups: 7-9, 10-12, and 13-15. Mayor Larry Antoskiewicz provides hot dogs and chips from noon-1 pm. {Find Out More}
Where: 14600 State Rd., North Royalton, OH 44133
When: Friday, July 22, 2022
Fishing Tournaments in Lake County
Painesville – Go Fish! with Lake Metroparks
Cast your line and catch some fish and have some fun at Hidden Lake! Learn fishing basics as you try to hook bluegill or bass. Ages 4-12. [REGISTER] {Find Out More}
Where: Hidden Lake, 7024 Kniffen Rd., Painesville, OH 44077
When:
- Wednesday, April 13, 2022
- Wednesday, April 27, 2022
- Wednesday, May 11, 2022
- Wednesday, June 8, 2022
- Monday, July 25, 2022
- Monday, August 29, 2022
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. [REGISTER] {Find Out More}
Where: Lake Metroparks Farmpark, 8800 Euclid Chardon Rd., Kirtland, OH 44094
When:
- Thursday, April 21, 2022
- Thursday, May 19, 2022
- Tuesday, June 7, 2022
- Thursday, July 14, 2022
- Monday, August 8, 2022
Painesville – FREE Family Fishing Frenzy with Lake Metroparks
Bring your own fishing equipment (or borrow some) and learn basics from experienced anglers. This is a great event for all ages. {Find Out More}
Where: Hidden Lake North, 7024 Kniffen Rd., Painesville, OH 44077
When: June 11, 2022
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: South Central Park, 7565 Avon Belden Rd., North Ridgeville, OH 44039
When: Saturday, May 7, 2022
Wellington – FREE Young Anglers Fishing Derby
The Black River Game club sponsors this fishing derby for children ages 3-15. Prizes for the most and the largest (length) for each age group. Includes lunch. {Find Out More}
Where: Findley State Park, 25381 State Route 58, Wellington, OH 44090 (Pavillion at Picnic Point)
When: Saturday, June 4, 2022
Avon – FREE Avon Lions Club Annual Fishing Derby {Find Out More}
Where: Northgate Park, 2155 Eaton Dr., Avon, OH 44011
When: Saturday, June 11, 2022
Avon Lake – FREE Fishing with Friends
Poles, bait, and knowledgeable attendants will be available. Ages 15 and younger. {Find Out More}
Where: Walker Road Park Reservoir, 31621 Walker Rd., Avon Lake 44012
When: Wednesday-Saturday, June 15-July 30, 2022
Fishing Tournaments in Mahoning County
Canfield – FREE Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs
This is a catch-and-release, Derby-style fishing event. Officers will assist kids (up to 15 years of age) with learning the basics of fishing, setting up fishing poles, how to cast, and identifying different species of fish. {Find Out More}
Where: MetroParks Farm Trailhead, 7574 Columbiana-Canfield Rd., Canfield, OH 44406
When: Saturday, June 11, 2022
Fishing Tournaments in Medina County
Brunswick – FREE Fishing Frenzy!
Learn about the basics of fishing, the different species of fish that live in our lakes and ponds, what fishing equipment,
tackle, and bait works the best, and where to fish around the area. Plus, enjoy crafts, games, and displays. There is no actual fishing at this program. {Find Out More; scroll to pg. 5}
Where: Susan Hambley Nature Center, 1473 Parschen Rd., Brunswick, OH 44212
When: March 12-13 & 19-20, 2022
Seville – FREE Family Fishing Derby & Earth Day Celebration
Earth-friendly exhibits, a Family Fishing Derby, kids’ activities, food, and much more! Hook some memories, and win prizes! Parent/child teams can register and fish anytime between 11 am and 3 pm. [REGISTER] {Find Out More; scroll to pg. 8}
Where: Buffalo Creek Retreat, 8708 Hubbard Valley Rd., Seville, OH 44273
When: Saturday, April 23, 2022
Fishing Tournaments in Portage County
Streetsboro – FREE School's Out: Gone Fishin'
Kids ages 15 and younger can learn the basics of fishing, then drop a line and see what they can catch. Previously caught fish will be displayed in an aquarium for observation. {Find Out More}
Where: Liberty Park, Tinkers Creek Area, 10303 Aurora-Hudson Rd., Streetsboro, OH 44241
When: Friday, April 15, 2022
Streetsboro – FREE Streetboro Fishing Derby
Each participant receives a small fishing pack and entry into contests. Ages 4-12 accompanied by an adult. [REGISTER] {Find Out More; scroll to page 5}
Where: Thomas Heritage Park, OH-303, Streetsboro, OH 44241
When: Saturday, May 21, 2022
Aurora – FREE Fishy Family Friday
All ages can learn the basics of fishing, then drop a line in Tinker’s Creek Lake. {Find Out More}
Where: Liberty Park, Tinkers Creek State Nature Preserve, 1230 Old Mill Rd., Aurora, OH 44202
When: Friday, June 17, 2022
Aurora – Fishing Derby at Sunny Lake Park
Competition, awards, and refreshments. [REGISTER] {Find Out More}
Where: Sunny Lake South, 885 E. Mennonite Rd., Aurora, OH 44202
When: Saturday, June 18, 2022
Fishing Tournaments in Stark County
Canal Fulton – FREE Jack Cullen Memorial Trout Derby
Bait, beverages, and food will be for sale. Bring your own pole. Door prizes and trophies. No online registration is required, but you will need to register on-site on the day of the event. For children ages 4-15. [REGISTER] {Find Out More}
Where: Lock 4 Trailhead at Lock 4 Park, 6600 Block of Erie Ave. NW, Canal Fulton, OH 44614
When: Saturday, April 30, 2022
Green – FREE Fishing Derby
There will be awards in each age group for the longest and shortest fish caught, the most fish caught, and more! The age groups are ages 5 and under, ages 6-7, ages 8-9, and ages 10-12. This event is for 12 years old and under only. Smaller children can be helped by a parent or guardian. [REGISTER] {Find Out More}
Where: Boettler Park Pond, 5300 Massillon Rd., Green, OH 44720
When: Saturday, May 7, 2022
Canton – FREE Richard Fry Memorial Catfish Derby
Children's fishing derby for ages 4-15. Prizes and trophies will be awarded. [REGISTER ON-SITE] {Find Out More}
Where: Petros Lake Park, 3519 Perry Dr. SW, Canton, OH 44706 (south entrance)
When: Saturday, May 14, 2022
Canton – FREE Pep Tamargo Memorial Fishing Derby
Children's fishing derby for ages 4-15. The Berkley Fishing Team will be on-hand to provide instruction as well as prizes and giveaways. [REGISTER] {Find Out More}
Where: Sippo Lake Marina, 5300 Tyner St. NW, Canton, OH 44708
When: Saturday, May 21, 2022
Canton – FREE Canton Parks & Rec Youth Fishing Derby
This is a catfish derby. All catfish must be alive to be measured and eligible for prizes. Ages 4-15. [REGISTER] {Find Out More}
Where: Westbrook Park Pond, 13th St. & Harrison Ave. NW, Canton, OH 44708
When: Saturday, May 21, 2022
Massillon – FREE Fishing Day
Join in for the 2022 Fishing Day at the North Park Pond. [REGISTER] {Find Out More}
Where: Jackson North Park, 7660 Fulton Dr. NW, Massillon, OH 44646
When: Saturday, May 28, 2022
North Canton – FREE Mayor's Fishing Rodeo
The Rodeo is open to children ages 2-12 living in the North Canton school district. Includes refreshments and prizes. {Find Out More}
Where: Price Park, 1000 W. Maple St., North Canton, OH 44720
When: Saturday, May 28, 2022
Louisville – FREE Fishing Fun at Constitution Park
Bring your fishing gear to a fun day at Constitution Park (behind Dairy Queen). Louisville Public Library will be hosting a family day out for the kids to fish. The event will also kick off the Summer Reading Program, themed Oceans of Possibilities. {Find Out More}
Where: Constitution Park, 1103 W. Main St., Louisville, OH 44641
When: Sunday, June 5, 2022
Canton – FREE Cook's Lagoon Children & Senior Fishing Derby
The Cook's Lagoon Children and Senior Fishing derby, for children ages 4 – 15 and 65 and over, takes place at Cook's Lagoon Park in Canton. {Find Out More}
Where: Cook's Lagoon Park, 1819 Mahoning Rd. NE, Canton 44705
When: Saturday, June 11, 2022
Canton – FREE Summerfest
Bring along families and friends to enjoy your favorite summer camp fun – fishing, hiking, archery, games, crafts, scavenger hunts, s'mores, and more! The Berkely Fishing Team will be here as well, with fishing poles available to borrow and free bait, but you are also welcome to bring your own! (All current state fishing regulations apply.) [REGISTER] {Find Out More}
Where: Sippo Lake Marina, 5300 Tyner St. NW, Canton, OH 44708 (This drop-in event will take place within all 3 entrances of Sippo Lake Park – off of Perry Dr., 12th St., and Genoa Ave.)
When: Saturday, July 30, 2022
Alliance – FREE Greater Alliance Carnation Festival: Fishing Derby
Fishing for children ages 4-12. {Find Out More}
Where: Kidwell Lake in Silver Park, 2930 S. Union Ave., Alliance, OH 44601
When: Sunday, August 7, 2022
Fishing Tournaments in Summit County
Akron – FREE Trout Derby
Anglers 15 and younger each receive a $1 cash prize if they catch a golden trout. {Find Out More}
Where: Firestone Metro Park, Little Turtle Pond, 2400 Harrington Rd., Akron, OH 44319
When: Saturday, April 9, 2022
Richfield – FREE Gone Fishin'
Kids ages 15 and younger can learn the basics of fishing, then drop a line in Brushwood Lake. {Find Out More}
Where: Furnace Run Metro Park, Brushwood Area, 4955 Townsend Rd., Richfield, OH 44286
When: Friday, May 6, 2022
Akron – FREE Special Needs Trout Derby
The trout derby is open to children and adults with special needs. The three anglers with the longest measured trout will be awarded trophies. {Find Out More}
Where: Firestone Metro Park, Little Turtle Pond, 2400 Harrington Rd., Akron, OH 44319
When: Saturday, May 7, 2022
Stowe – FREE Children's Fishing Derby
Children are invited to try their hand at fishing. This free event includes tackle, bait, shirt, food, and beverage. The first 250 children to check in will get a free rod and reel combo with tackle. For ages 1-15. [REGISTER] {Find Out More}
Where: Heritage Lake at Silver Springs Park, 5238 Young Rd., Stow, OH 44224 (Young Rd. entrance to the park)
When: Saturday, May 7, 2022
Green – FREE Kid's Fishing Derby
There will be awards in each age group for the longest and shortest fish caught, the most fish caught, and more! The age groups are age 5 and under, ages 6-7, 8-9, and ages 10-12. This event is for 12 years old and under only; smaller children can be helped by a parent or guardian. {Find Out More}
Where: Boettler Park, 5300 Massillon Rd., Green, OH 44720
When: Saturday, May 7, 2022
Akron – FREE Kids Fishing
Kids ages 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: Saturday, May 14, 2022
Macedonia – Family Fishing Day
Cast your reel and try your luck at taking home some prizes at our annual Family Fishing Day! For ages 5-17. {Find Out More}
Where: Summit County – Longwood Lake, 1566 E. Aurora Rd., Macedonia, OH 44056
When: Saturday, May 21, 2022 [REGISTER]
Akron – FREE Kids Fishing
Calling all kids 15 years and younger! Join two naturalists and explore the basics of fishing. Drop a line for yourself and get hooked on a new hobby! {Find Out More}
Where: Goodyear Heights Metro Park, Pioneer Area, 550 Frazier Ave., Akron, OH 44305
When: Saturday, May 21, 2022
Akron – FREE Juneteenth Celebration at Summit Metroparks
The celebration includes crafts, food, fishing, and more! {Find Out More}
Where: Summit Lake Nature Center, 411 Ira Ave., Akron, OH 44301
When: Sunday, June 19, 2022
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 2-5, 2022
Fishing Tournaments in Tuscarawas County
New Philadelphia – FREE First Town Days: Fishing Derby
This fishing derby is part of the First Town Days Festival. {Find Out More}
Where: Tuscora Park Lake, 161 Tuscora Ave. NW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663
When: Monday, July 4, 2022
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.
Cleveland – FREE Pop-Up Kids Fish During the Progressive North Coast Harbor Boat Show at North Coast Harbor {Find Out More}
Where: Voinovich Park, 800 E. 9th St. Pier, Cleveland, OH 44114
When: TBA for 2022
Mentor – PerchFest {Find Out More}
Where: Mentor Lagoons Marina, 8365 Harbor Dr., Mentor, OH 44060
When: TBA for 2022
Ravenna – FREE Take a Kid Fishing Day {Find Out More}
Where: Lake Hodgson, 5331 Lakewood Rd., Ravenna, OH 44266
When: TBA for 2022
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: TBA for 2022
Akron – FREE Kid's Fishing at Summit Metroparks
Where: Firestone Metro Park, Little Turtle Pond, 2400 Harrington Rd., Akron, OH 44319
When: TBA for 2022
Ravenna – FREE Take a Kid Fishing Day {Find Out More}
Where: Lake Hodgson, 5331 Lakewood Rd., Ravenna, OH 44266
When: TBA for 2022
Canton – FREE Night Fishing Derby {Find Out More}
Where: Sippo Lake Park, 5300 Tyner St. NW, Canton, OH 44708
When: TBA for 2022
FREE Eastlake Family Day Kids Fishing {Find Out More}
Where: 201 Erie Rd., Eastlake, OH 44095
When: TBA for 2022
FREE Sandy & Beaver Canal Fishing Derby {Find Out More}
Where: Whitacre Greer Park, 4290 Irish Rd. NW, Waynesburg, 44688
When: TBA for 2022
FREE Bob Meister Special Needs Kids Fishing Derby {Find Out More}
Where: Sippo Lake Park, 5300 Tyner St. NW, Canton, OH 44708
When: TBA for 2022
Westlake Fishing Derby {Find Out More}
Where: Recreation Center Park, 28955 Hilliard Blvd., Westlake, OH 44145
When: TBA for 2022
FREE City of Macedonia Family Fishing Day {Find Out More}
Where: Macedonia Family Recreation Center, 1494 E. Aurora Rd., Macedonia, OH 44056
When: TBA for 2022
FREE Avon Lake Fall Fishing Derby {Find Out More}
Where: Walker Road Park Reservoir, 31621 Walker Rd., Avon Lake 44012
When: TBA for 2022
FREE Cops ‘N Kids “Take Me Fishing” {Find Out More}
Where: Bob Giardina Lake (formally Mineral Lake), 15820 Ridgewood Dr., Middlefield, OH 44062
When: TBA for 2022
Trout Derby at Summit Metroparks {Find Out More}
Where: Firestone Metro Park, Little Turtle Pond, 2400 Harrington Rd., Akron, OH 44319
When: TBA for 2022
Family Fishing Day at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center {Find Out More}
Where: 28728 Wolf Rd., Bay Village, OH 44140
When: TBA for 2022
