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.
Upcoming Fishing Events for Kids
Note: Some of the dates are still TBD because this years information has not been published yet. They will be updated as soon as information become available. If you have details on any of these events or know of any other fishing events for kids, please submit the details or email me and I’ll add it to the list.
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April 2016
FREE Trout Derby at Little Turtle Pond
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. Sponsored by the Goodyear Hunting & Fishing Club and the Ohio Division of Wildlife. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, April 9, 2016; 9am-2pm
Where: Summit County – Little Turtle Pond, 2400 Harrington Rd., Akron, OH 44319
Fantastic Fishing at Lake Metroparks Farmpark
(Ages 4+) Learn fishing basics as we try to catch bluegill and largemouth bass. Equipment and bait provided or you may bring your own. Program designed for individuals with disabilities. {Find Out More}
When: Thursday, April 21, 2016; 6pm-7pm
Where: Lake Metroparks – Farmpark, 8800 Euclid Chardon Rd., Kirtland, OH 44094
Cost: $5 for first person, $3 for each additional sibling
FREE Youth Fishing Derby at River Styx Park
Ages 15 and under are invited to participate. Enjoy catching fish and winning prizes. Bring your own fishing pole and bait. No registration required. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, April 23, 2016; 8am-10:30am
Where: Medina County Park District – River Styx Park, 8200 River Styx Rd., Wadsworth, OH 44281
FREE Family Fishing Derby at Buffalo Creek Retreat
All ages welcome. Part of the Medina County Earth Day Festival. Register on the day of the derby. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, April 23, 2016; 11am-3pm
Where: Medina County Park District – Buffalo Creek Retreat, 8708 Hubbard Valley Rd., Seville, OH 44273
FREE Jack Cullen Memorial Trout Derby
This fishing derby, for children ages 4-15, will take place at the Lock 4 Trailhead. Bait, beverages, and food will be available for purchase. Bring your own pole. Door prizes and trophies will be provided by the Stark County Park District, Stark County Federation of Conservation Clubs, and the Berkley Fishing Team. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, April 30, 2016; 8am-11am
Where: Stark Parks – Lock 4 Trailhead, 6600 Erie Ave. NW, Canal Fulton, OH 44614
May 2016
FREE Hooked On Fishing at Jackson Township North Park
(Ages 15 and under) Children should bring their own poles n’ bait and try to catch one of the many fish stocked especially for this event. Children will get to participate in special events such as the Kids Casting Contest and the Big Fish Contest. Registration is required no later than Friday, May 6. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, May 7, 2016; 8am-11am
Where: Stark County – North Park, 7660 Fulton Dr. NW, Massillon, OH 44646
Fishing Derby at South Central Park
Join in a fun-filled morning of fishing. Bring your own bait and fishing rod. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, May 7, 2016; 8am-12pm
Where: Lorain County – South Central Park, North Ridgeville, OH 44039
Cost: Requested donation of $5 for the children’s burn unit.
FREE Optimist Club of Brunswick’s Annual Fishing Derby at North Park Lake
Open to the first 200 kids to register (ages 16 and under). Hundreds of children participate in this annual fishing derby designed to encourage an interest in fishing and other outdoor activities. Prizes will be awarded to top contenders. Register through the Brunswick Recreation Center. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, May 7, 2016; 8:30am-10:30am
Where: Medina County – North Park Lake, 3595 Grafton Rd., Brunswick, OH 44212
FREE Fishing Derby in Stow
(Ages 3-15) Come out to Stow’s own lake that has been stocked with trout and give the sport of fishing a try. Bring your own rod and reel. Bait is provided. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, May 7, 2016; 8:30am-12pm
Where: Summit County – Heritage Lake at Silver Springs Park, 5238 Young Rd., Stow, OH 44224
FREE Green Kiwanis & Green Parks & Recreation Trout Derby at Boettler Park
This event is for children 12 and younger (with their parents or grandparents). Please bring your own fishing pole and bait. This event is rain or shine (as long as it is not storming). This event is sponsored, in-part, by the Green Kiwanis. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, May 7, 2016; 9am
Where: Medina County – Boettler Park, 5300 Massillon Rd., North Canton, OH 44720
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 throw your line in the water. All equipment will be provided. Adults and teens (ages 16 & up) who wish to fish must possess a valid fishing license. One adult must accompany every 2 children registered for this program. Pre-registration is required. {Find Out More}
When: Sunday, May 7, 2016; 9am-12pm
Where: Lake County – Lake Erie Nature & Science Center, 28728 Wolf Rd., Bay Village, OH 44140
Cost: $7 per person
Go Fish! at Lake Metroparks
Cast your line and catch some fish and fun at Lake Farmpark. Learn fishing basics as you catch largemouth bass and bluegill. Fishing poles and bait provided, or you may bring your own. {Find Out More}
When: Thursday, May 12, 2016; 6pm-7pm
Where: Lake Metroparks – Farmpark, 8800 Euclid Chardon Rd., Kirtland, OH 44094
Cost: $5 per child
FREE Richard Fry Memorial Catfish Derby
(Ages 4-15) Bring your pole to this fishing derby for children. Bait, beverages, and food will be available for purchase. Bring your own pole. Door prizes and trophies provided by Stark Parks, Stark County Federation of Conservation Clubs, and the Berkley Fishing Team. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, May 14, 2016; 8am-11am
Where: Stark County – Petros Lake Park, 3519 Perry Dr. SW, Canton, OH 44706
Arnie’s Anglers Kids Fishing Derby at Hidden Lake
(Ages 4-18) Have fun at this annual spring fishing derby. Awards for the five longest fish caught in three age categories. Bait provided. Bring your own fishing pole. All participants MUST be pre-registered. Registration WILL NOT be accepted the day of the event. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, May 14, 2016; 9am-11am
Where: Lake County – Hidden Lake, 7024 Kniffen Road, Leroy Township, OH 44077
Cost: $5 per child
Westlake Recreation Center’s Fishing Derby
(Ages 12+) Enjoy a morning of fishing in the Westlake Recreation Center’s Lake. Please bring your own equipment. Parent/guardian is required, however there is no cost for the parent. Bait (while supplies last) and prizes will be provided. Must pre-register. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, May 14, 2016; 9am-12pm
Where: Cuyahoga County – Westlake Recreation Center’s Lake, 28955 Hilliard Blvd., Westlake, OH 44145
Cost: $10 per child
7th Annual Spring Fair & Children’s Fishing Derby at P. Graham Dunn
The fishing derby will begin at 8am at the P. Graham Dunn pond, plus there will be inflatables and train rides for children throughout the day. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, May 21, 2016; 8am-3pm
Where: Wayne County – P. Graham Dunn, 630 Henry St., Dalton, OH 44618
Cost: $1 per child
FREE Children’s Fishing Derbies at Cleveland Metroparks – Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation
Kids can reel in Kids can reel in big fun at the annual Cleveland Metroparks Children’s Fishing Derbies. Hungry rainbow trout, catfish and a variety of other fish are ready for young anglers to try their luck on while competing for prizes. Children can also learn how to cast and test their skills at the casting challenge. Guidance will be available from experienced anglers to help those new to fishing. Bait (red worms, maggots and corn) will be available at no charge for derby participants. Bring a rod, tackle and a cooler with ice to store the “catch of the day.” While supplies last, loaner rods (fully rigged for bait fishing) are available for children who do not have their own. Prizes will be awarded at the end of each session. Prize categories will include the largest trout, largest other fish, smallest fish, and best cast from the casting challenge. You must be present to win. {Find Out More}
Cuyahoga County
When: Saturday, May 21, 2016; 9am-12pm (ages 4-8), 1-4pm (ages 9-15)
Where: Cleveland Metroparks – CanalWay Center at Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation, 4524 E 49th St., Cleveland, OH 44125
FREE Children’s Fishing Derbies at Cleveland Metroparks – Mill Stream Run Reservation
Kids can reel in Kids can reel in big fun at the annual Cleveland Metroparks Children’s Fishing Derbies. Hungry rainbow trout, catfish and a variety of other fish are ready for young anglers to try their luck on while competing for prizes. Children can also learn how to cast and test their skills at the casting challenge. Guidance will be available from experienced anglers to help those new to fishing. Bait (red worms, maggots and corn) will be available at no charge for derby participants. Bring a rod, tackle and a cooler with ice to store the “catch of the day.” While supplies last, loaner rods (fully rigged for bait fishing) are available for children who do not have their own. Prizes will be awarded at the end of each session. Prize categories will include the largest trout, largest other fish, smallest fish, and best cast from the casting challenge. You must be present to win. {Find Out More}
Cuyahoga County
When: Sunday, May 22, 2016; 9am-12pm (ages 4-8), 1-4pm (ages 9-15)
Where: Cleveland Metroparks – Wallace Lake on Mill Stream Run Reservation, Strongsville, OH 44136
Portage Lakes Bass Masters Club Fishing Derby {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, May 28, 2016
Where: Summit County – District 3 Ponds
June 2016
FREE Take A Kid Fishing Day at Lake Hodgson
Each year Streetsboro Wal-Mart Sporting Goods Dept, Rockne’s Restaurants, and Kent and Ravenna Parks and Recreation Departments offers a family day of fishing at Lake Hodgson in Ravenna. Fishing, food, and door prizes are just a few of the fun things happening this day. To sign you and your child up for this annual event, call the Parks and Recreation office at (330) 673-8897. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, June 4, 2016
Where: Portage County – Lake Hodgson Park, 5089 Lakewood Rd., Ravenna, OH 44266
FREE “Pep” Tamargo Memorial Fishing Derby at Sippo Lake Park
Ages 4-15. Pre-registration required. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, June 4, 2016
Where: Stark County – Sippo Lake Park and Marina, 5300 Tyner St. NW, Canton, OH 44708
Avon Lions Annual Fishing Derby
Sign-ups will begin at 7:30am, with the fishing derby following at 8am. Children must be accompanied by an adult and bring their own fishing pole. Lion volunteers will be on hand to assist and measure fish. They will also provide bait for your hooks and a continental breakfast with drinks. There are six different categories of fish with a prize for the largest catch in each category. There will be a drawing at the end with more great prizes, including the Super Grand Prize – use of the Crusher’s loge – sponsored by the City of Avon Parks and Recreation Dept. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, June 4, 2016; 7:30am-10am
Where: Lorain County – Northgate Park, 2155 Eaton Dr., Avon, OH 44011
Annual North Canton Mayor’s Fishing Rodeo
This event is open to children ages 2-12 living in the North Canton School District. Registration: 8am-9am, Fishing competition: 9am-10:30am, Prizes awarded after 10:30am. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, June 4, 2016; 8am-11am
Where: Stark County – Price Park, 1000 West Maple St., North Canton, OH 44720
Jim Venditti Memorial Kids Fishing Derby
(Age 15 and under) The pond will be stocked with largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, and other fish. Prizes will be given for the biggest fish caught. Come down early to the pond and pick a spot & bring your own bait. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, June 4, 2016; 9am-12pm
Where: Lake County – Painesville Recreation Division, 54 Mentor Ave., Painesville, OH 44077
FREE Cooks Lagoon Children & Senior Fishing Derby
(Ages 4-15 & Seniors 65+) Bait, beverages, and food will be for sale. Bring your own pole. Prizes and trophies provided by Stark County Park District and Berkley Fishing Team. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, June 11, 2016; 8am-11am
Where: Stark County – Cook’s Lagoon Park, 1800 Block of Mahoning Rd. NE, Canton, OH 44705
Fishing Derby at Sunny Lake Park in Aurora
Trophies, raffle prizes, refreshments, and fun. Limited bait will be provided. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, June 11, 2016; 8am-1pm
Where: Portage County – Sunny Lake Park, Aurora, OH 44202
Cost: Resident of Aurora: $3 per person, $8 for family of 5 (Family must live in the same household. Additional members will be $2 a person.); Non-resident: $5 per person, $12 for family of 5 (Family must live in the same household. Additional members will be $2 a person.)
FREE Hooked on Fishing at Mill Creek Metroparks Farm
The MetroParks Police will conduct this free program to teach children about the sport of fishing. All ages are welcome. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, June 25, 2016; 10am-2pm
Where: Mahoning County – MetroParks Farm, 7574 Columbiana-Canfield Rd., Canfield, OH 44406
July 2016
New Philadelphia First Town Days: Fishing Derby at Tuscora Park Lake {Find Out More}
“Family Day” is always a fun day for all, especially the children, with the fishing derby, frog jumping, turtle races and big wheel races.
When: Monday, July 4, 2016; 7:30am
Where: Tuscarawas County – Tuscora Park Lake, New Philadelphia, OH 44663
July Night Fishing Derby at Sippo Lake Park
Registration begins at 5pm with fishing from 6pm-11pm for this night derby. Participants 16 years and older must show valid Ohio fishing license at registration. Children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Food and bait available at the Sippo Marina. Prizes will be awarded at 11pm. Winners must be present at 11pm to receive cash prizes. {Find Out More}
When: Friday, July 8, 2016
Where: Stark County – Sippo Lake Park and Marina, 5300 Tyner St. NW, Canton, OH 44708
Cost: $5 entry fee
FREE Doan Brook Annual Family Fishing Day
Family members of all ages will learn how to cast, tie knots and fish for bluegill, bass, catfish (and prizes) in the specially stocked lagoon with provided bait and tackle. Fishing equipment will be provided to children who do not have their own and a free hot dog lunch, reusable aluminum water bottles, and water will be provided. Registration Required. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, July 9, 2016; 9am-1pm
Where: Rockefeller Park Lagoon, located near the intersection of MLK Dr. and East 105th St. in Cleveland’s University Circle neighborhood
Cost: FREE
August 2016
FREE Streetboro Fishing Derby
Have fun fishing with your family at the new fishing pond in Streetsboro. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Awards will be given for various categories to those children 17 years and younger. Bring your own fishing gear. Participants must register at the Parks and Recreation Department. Registration Deadline: July 29. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, August 6, 2016; 10:30am-12pm
Where: Portage County – Thomas Heritage Park, 1050 Streetsboro Rd., Streetsboro, OH 44241
FREE Sandy & Beaver Canal Fishing Derby
This derby, for children ages 4-15, takes place at Whitacre Green Park in Waynesburg. Bait will be provided. Beverages and food will be for sale. Bring your own pole. Registration begins at 8am. Fishing to start at 9am and run until 11am. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, August 13, 2016; 8am-11am
Where: Stark County – Whitacre Greer Park, 4290 Irish Rd. NW, Waynesburg, OH 44688
August Night Fishing Derby at Sippo Lake Park {Find Out More}
Registration begins at 5pm with fishing from 6pm-11pm for this night derby. Participants 16 years and older must show valid Ohio fishing license at registration. Children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Food and bait available at the Sippo Marina. Prizes will be awarded at 11pm. Winners must be present at 11pm to receive cash prizes. {Find Out More}
When: Friday, August 19, 2016
Where: Stark County – Sippo Lake Park and Marina, 5300 Tyner St. NW, Canton, OH 44708
Cost: $5 entry fee
September 2016
Avon Lake Youth Fishing Derby {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, September 10, 2016
Where: Lorain County – Walker Road Park Reservoir, 31621 Walker Rd., Avon Lake 44012
Cost: $5 per participant
Bob Meister Special Needs Kids Fishing Derby
(Ages 4-18) Sponsored by Stark Parks and the Berkley Fishing Team, this derby will take place on the accessible Sherban Fishing Pier and the shoreline at Sippo Lake. Reservations are required at Stark Parks or at (330) 409-8096. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, September 10, 2016
Where: Stark County – Sippo Lake Park, 5300 Tyner St. NW, Canton, OH 44708
October 2016
Fall Festival & Fishing Derby at P. Graham Dunn
Enjoy a wide assortment of autumn activities such as pumpkin painting, hayrides, inflatables, games, and the Humane Society will be here hosting a pet adoption. There’s fun for the whole family. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, October 1, 2016; 8am-3pm
Where: Wayne County – P. Graham Dunn pond, 630 Henry St., Dalton, OH 44618
Good Luck!
If you know of any other fishing events for kids, please submit the details or email me and I’ll add it to the list.
When’s 2016’s derbies?
Hi Allen,
We are working to update the list with 2016 information. It will be available in mid-March.
Thanks!
Danielle
5TH ANNUAL COMMUNITY FAMILY FISHING DAY (CUYAHOGA COUNTY)
FREE Fishing rods & bait. Prizes awarded. Take your catch home.
JUNE 28, 2014
Location: Wade Lagoon, at Rockefeller Park Cleveland
Open: 8:30AM to 3:00PM
Contact Person: FISHERMAN BOB 216-780-0010
Sponsors: Larchmere Community Association (LCA), Shaker Square Area Development (SHAD), Councilwoman Mamie J. Mitchell (Ward 6 Cleveland) ODNR Div. of Wildlife Restoration Project, RCK LLC, Passion For Fishing, Inc. (P4F)
When is the northpark fishing derby in brunswick ohio for 2014 what time,and date
Kevin,
Thanks for asking. Just added it to the list. It is May 10 from 8:30am-10:30. Here is the link to the flyer: http://www.medinacountyparks.com/images/downloads/brunswick%20optimist%20club%20fishing.pdf
Take Care,
Danielle
When will this be updated for 2014 derby’s?
Wen,
Thanks for asking! We just updated the list with the 2014 information. Hope it helps!
Danielle
is there anymore trout fishing derbies for the youth in may?
Hey David,
Most of the events in the list are during the month of May. Were you looking for a specific county in NE Ohio that isn’t listed?
Danielle
There is also a fishing derby in conneaut on may 18th
Thanks for letting me know Cassie. I’ll get it added to the list.
Take Care,
Danielle
Where is free fishing this weekend?
Brenda,
The first two events on the list are this Saturday. One in Medina County and one in Stark County. Hope that helps!
Take Care,
Danielle
Also, per Ohio DNR’s website, there is free fishing for all Ohio residents this weekend, May 5th & 6th.