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.

Jump Directly to Specific Date:
April | May | June | July | August | September | October

April 2018

Kids Fishing at Summit Metroparks
Calling all kids: Learn the basics of fishing, bait a hook, and drop a line in Alder Pond. A limited number of rods and reels will be available for use. Bait is provided. Participants 16 and older must have a fishing license. {Find Out More}
When: Friday, April 13, 2018; 1pm-3pm
Where: Goodyear Heights Pioneer Area – 550 Frazier Ave., Akron, OH 44305
Cost: FREE

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. Sponsored by the Goodyear Hunting & Fishing Club and the Ohio Division of Wildlife. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, April 14, 2018; 9am-2pm
Where: Firestone Metropark, Little Turtle Pond, 2400 Harrington Rd., Akron, OH 44319
Cost: FREE

Go Fish! with Lake Metroparks
Cast your line and catch some fish and fun at Lake Farmpark! Learn fishing basics as we catch largemouth bass and bluegill. Fishing poles and bait provided, or you may bring your own. Reservations Required. {Find Out More}
When: April 16 & 30, 2018 & May 14 & 21, 2018, 2017; 6pm-7pm
Where: Farmpark, 8800 Euclid Chardon Rd. (Rt.6), Kirtland, OH 44094
Cost: $5 per child

Family Fishing Derby with Medina County Parks
Fish together with your family, hook some memories, and win prizes! Grab a rod and reel in an afternoon of fishing fun during our fifth annual Medina County Park District Family Fishing Derby! Parent/child teams can register and fish any time between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Registration is required to be eligible to win prizes. Please bring your fishing poles. A limited amount of fishing poles and bait will be available for use. This derby is held in conjunction with Medina County's 22nd Annual Earth Day Festival. All ages are welcome. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, April 21, 2018; 11am-3pm
Where: Buffalo Creek Retreat, 8708 Hubbard Valley Rd., Seville, OH 44273
Cost: FREE

FREE Youth Fishing Derby with Medina County Parks
Young fishermen 15 years of age or younger are invited to participate in the park district's annual River Styx Youth Fishing Derby. Girls and boys, alike, can enjoy catching fish and winning prizes. Please have your children bring their fishing poles. A limited number of poles will be available to borrow, and a limited amount of bait will be supplied. Prizes will be awarded. Free. No pre-registration required. Registration begins at 9am. The derby is from 9:30am-11:30am. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, April 28, 2018; 9am-12pm
Where: River Styx Park, 8200 River Styx Rd., Wadsworth, OH 44281
Cost: FREE

Jack Cullen Memorial Trout Derby
The Jack Cullen Memorial Trout derby, for children ages 4-15, takes place at the Lock 4 Trailhead. Bait, beverages, and food will be for sale. Bring your own pole. Door prizes and trophies 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. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, April 28, 2018; 8am-11am
Where: Lock 4 Park, 6600 Block of Erie Ave. NW, Canal Fulton, OH 44614
Cost: FREE

May 2018

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. Children will get to participate in special events such as the Kids Casting contest and the Big Fish Contest. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. The deadline to register is May 4th. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, May 5, 2018; 8am-11am
Where: North Park, 7660 Fulton Rd. NW, Massillon, OH 44646
Cost: FREE

FREE Fishing Derby at South Central Park
Can you tell fish stories? Want bragging rights for a year? Then come join us for a fun-filled morning of fishing. Bring your own bait and fishing rod, if you don’t have one we will provide one. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, May 5, 2018; 8am-12pm
Where: 7565 Avon Belden Rd., North Ridgeville, OH 44039
Cost: FREE ($5 donation for Aluminum Cans for Burned Children)

FREE Fishing Derby in Stow
Come out to Stow’s own lake that has been stocked with trout and give the sport of fishing a try! Ages 3 to 15 years. Bring your own rod and reel. Bait is provided. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, May 5, 2018; 8am-12pm
Where: Heritage Lake at Silver Springs Park, 5238 Young Rd., Stow, OH 44224 (Young Rd. entrance to the park)
Cost: FREE

FREE Recreation Trout Derby in Green
Come and join us for some fishing fun at the Boettler Park pond. This event is for children 12 and younger (with their parents or grandparents). Please bring your own fishing pole and bait (corn or hot dogs). This event is rain or shine (as long as it is not storming). Register online or by calling the Parks & Recreation office at (330) 896-6621 Monday through Friday between 8am and 4pm. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, May 5, 2018; 9am-11am
Where: Boettler Park Pond, 5300 Massillon Rd., North Canton, OH 44720
Cost: FREE

Fishing for Kids at Summit Metroparks
Kids 15 and younger can learn the basics of fishing, then drop a line at Little Turtle Pond. A few rods and reels will be available for use during the program. Bait is provided. Adults must supervise their children but are not permitted to fish. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, May 5, 2017; 1pm-3pm
Where: Firestone Park, Little Turtle Pond, 2400 Harrington Rd., Akron, OH 44319

Richard Fry Memorial Catfish Derby
The Richard Fry Memorial Catfish derby, for children ages 4-15, takes place at Petros Park Lake. Bait, beverages, and food will be for sale. Bring your own pole. Prizes and trophies provided by the Stark County Park District, Stark County Federation of Conservation Clubs, and the Berkley Fishing Team. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, May 12, 2018; 8am-11am
Where: Petros Lake Park, Woodland Shelter & Lakeview Shelter, 3519 Perry Dr. SW, Canton, OH 44706

FREE Special Needs Trout Derby at Summit Metro Parks
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. 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: Saturday, May 12, 2018, 10am-2pm
Where: Little Turtle Pond, 2400 Harrington Rd., Akron, OH 44319
Cost: FREE

Go Fish! with Lake Metroparks
Cast your line and catch some fish and fun at Lake Farmpark! Learn fishing basics as we catch largemouth bass and bluegill. Fishing poles and bait provided, or you may bring your own. Reservations Required. {Find Out More}
When: April 16 & 30, 2018 & May 14 & 21, 2018, 2017; 6pm-7pm
Where: Farmpark, 8800 Euclid Chardon Rd. (Rt.6), Kirtland, OH 44094
Cost: $5 per child

FREE CRSA Kids Fishing & Open House at Chagrin River Salmon Association
Open to 4th,5th and 6th graders, learn fishing, tieknots, catch live fish. Free to attend all that is required is register early by calling Kevin McCarthy at (440) 669-8304 lunch will be provided. Free gifts to all kids that attend. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, May 19, 2018; 8:30am
Where: 201 Erie Rd., Eastlake, OH 44095
Cost: FREE

FREE Youth Fishing Derby at Stadium Park Pond
Cast your line and reel in the big one! The derby will take place at Stadium Park Pond. The event is free for youth ages 5-12. Please bring your own fishing pole, gear and live bait. Parents are not permitted to fish; however, they can help younger children with baiting hooks and taking fish off of hooks. All trout must be alive to be measured and eligible for a prize. Pre-register by Friday, May 18. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, May 19, 2017, 8:30am-10:30am
Where: Stadium Park Dr. NW, 44718
Cost: FREE

FREE Fishing Derby in Westlake
Kids up to age 12 are invited to enjoy a morning of fishing in the Westlake Recreation Center’s Lake. Bait (while supplies last) and prizes will be provided! {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, May 19, 2018, 9am-12pm
Where: Westlake Recreation Center, 28955 Hilliard Blvd., Westlake, OH 44145
Cost: $10 per child, FREE for parents

Children's Fishing Derby
During the derby, children can fish from 9am-4pm. The general public is allowed to fish after 4pm on May 19. Fishing for catchable-sized trout is a great way to introduce young people to the outdoors. Rainbow trout are raised at state fish hatcheries and measure 10-13 inches before they are released by the ODNR Division of Wildlife. The daily catch limit for inland lakes is five trout. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, May 19, 2018; 9am-4pm
Where: CanalWay Center at Ohio and Erie Canal Reservation, 4524 E. 49th St., Cleveland, OH 44125
Cost:

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. Registration is required. For families with children ages 5+. {Find Out More}
When: Sunday, May 20, 2018; 9am-12pm
Where: 28728 Wolf Rd., Bay Village, OH 44140
Cost: $7 per person

June 2018

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. Pre-registration is required. Lunch, trophies, and additional prizes provided by the Berkley Fishing Team. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, June 2, 2018; 8am–11am
Where: Sippo Lake Park & Marina, 5300 Tyner St. NW, Canton, OH 44708
Cost: FREE

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: Saturday, June 2, 2018; 10am-12pm
Where: Findley State Park (Picnic Point Shelterhouse), 25381 State Route 58, Wellington, OH 44090
Cost: FREE

FREE Cook's Lagoon Children & Senior Fishing Derby
The Cook's Lagoon Children and Senior Fishing derby, for children ages 4-15 and 65+, takes place at Cook's Lagoon Park in Canton. Bait beverages and food will be for sale. Bring your own pole. Prizes and trophies provided by the Stark County Park District, Stark County Federation of Conservation Clubs, and the Berkley Fishing Team. Registration onsite the day of event. (NOTE: Due to construction constraints, fishing derby may be postponed or cancelled.) {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, June 9, 2018; 8am-11am
Where: Cook's Lagoon Park, 1819 Mahoning Rd. NE, Canton 44705
Cost: FREE

FREE Fishing Derby at Sunny Lake Park in Aurora
Trophies and raffle prizes! Refreshments included, limited bait provided. Register at the Walker Building, located at 129 W. Pioneer Trail in Aurora, OH, call (330) 562-4333, or register day of the event at Sunny Lake Park registration table. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, June 9, 2018; Fishing: 9am-11am; Awards & Lunch: 11am
Where: Aurora Sunny Lake Park, 885 E. Mennonite Rd., Aurora, OH 44202
Cost:
Aurora Residents: $10/family up to 4 people; $3 additional family members, $5 per person
Non-Residents: $15/family up to 4 people, $4 additional members, $7 per person

FREE Let's Go Fishing! Avon Lions Annual Fishing Derby
The Avon Lions annual fishing derby for kids will once again take place at Northgate Park on Saturday, June 10. Sign-ups will begin at 7:30am, and the fishing derby will start at 8am. There is no fee to attend. 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 9, 2018; 8am-10am
Where: Northgate Park, 2155 Eaton Dr., Avon, OH 44011
Cost: FREE

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: Saturday, June 9, 2018; 9am-11am
Where: Bob Giardina Lake (formally Mineral Lake), 15820 Ridgewood Dr., Middlefield, OH 44062
Cost: FREE

FREE Hooked On Fishing
Join the MetroParks Police as they teach children about the sport of fishing in this Derby style event. All ages welcome. Call the MetroParks Police at (330) 740-7102 for more details. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, June 9, 2018; 10am-2pm
Where: MetroParks Farm, 7574 Columbiana-Canfield Rd., Canfield, OH 44406
Cost: FREE

Kids Catfishing Fishing Derby & Summer Safe Boating/Beach Party at Pleasant Hill Lake Park
Enjoy FREE events all day, from 11-7pm! Activities include a Kids Catfishing Fishing Derby. Plus, kayaking & SUP's board tryouts, pontoon and sailboat rides until 3pm, mermaid swim at the beach, log rolling, DJ Music, beach swimming, volleyball, picnic areas, camping, door prizes, free giveaways, exhibits, food, and games. FREE kids lifejackets first 100 kids. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, June 9, 2018; 11am-7pm
Where: 3431 State Route 95, Perrysville, OH 44864
Cost: $5/car entry fee for all free activities

FREE Young Anglers Fishing Derby
Come to the Picnic Point Shelter and have your children, through age 15, join us for this fishing derby. Prizes are available and lunch will be served at noon. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, June 16, 2018; 10am-1pm
Where: Findley State Park, 25381 State Route 58, Wellington, OH 44090
Cost: FREE

July 2018

New Philadelphia First Town Days: Fishing Derby
This fishing derby is part of the First Town Days Festival. {Find Out More}
When: Wednesday, July 4, 2018; 8am
Where: Tuscora Park Lake, New Philadelphia, OH 44663
Cost: FREE

Night Fishing Derby
Registration for the night derby begins at 5 pm at the Sippo Lake Marina, with fishing from 6pm-11pm. Participants 16 years and older must show valid Ohio fishing license at registration. Children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by and adult at all times. Food and bait available at the Marina. Prizes will be awarded at 11pm. Winners must be present at 11pm to receive cash prizes. {Find Out More}
When: Friday, July 13, 2018; 5pm-11pm
Where: Sippo Lake Park, 5300 Tyner St. NW, Canton, OH 44708
Cost: $5 entry fee will be required at registration

FREE Annual Family Fishing Day at Rockefeller Park Lagoon
Day of fishing, learning, and family fun at Rockefeller Park Lagoon. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, July 14, 2018; 9am-2pm
Where: Rockefeller Park Lagoon, Cleveland, OH 44106
Cost: FREE

FREE 4th Annual Fish CLE for FREE at North Coast Harbor
Grab your fishing gear & head to the pier for the Annual Kids Fish CLE for FREE event- limited poles & bait will be available from 11am until 2pm on Tuesday, July 24. To make your day enjoyable Downtown Cleveland Alliance volunteers will be on site to assist. There will be two fishing zones this season: Voinovich Park and the North end of E9th Street Pier. Outdoor activities and bubble giveaways (while supplies last) will be set up near the Cleveland Script Sign. Kids can also have fun leaving their (temporary) mark at North Coast Harbor in the designated chalkART zone. The Cleveland Police Foundation will be serving up hot dog lunch (while supplies last) pre bubblepalooza. {Find Out More}
When: Tuesday, July 24, 2018; 11am-2pm
Where: Voinovich Park in North Coast Harbor
Cost: FREE

August 2018

FREE Kids Fishing at Summit Metroparks
Kids 15 and younger can learn the basics of fishing, then drop a line at Little Turtle Pond. A few rods and reels will be available for use. Bait is provided. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, August 4, 2018; 10am-12pm
Where: Firestone, Little Turtle Pond, 2400 Harrington Rd., Akron, OH 44319
Cost: FREE

FREE Streetboro Fishing Derby
The derby is open to all ages, children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Prizes will be awarded for various categories for children 17 and younger. Bring your own fishing gear! {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, August 4, 2018; 10:30am-12pm
Where: Thomas Heritage Park, OH-303, Streetsboro, OH 44241
Cost: FREE

FREE Kids Fishing Derby at Kidwell Lake
Held at Kidwell Lake in Silver Park, this has been a tradition for children ages 4-12 since 2009. Children MUST be registered in advance as spaces fill quickly! These forms will be available at the Alliance Area Chamber of Commerce and at Runzo's Sporting Goods. Children should bring their own fishing poles – bait will be provided and many prizes will be handed out thanks to our generous sponsors! {Find Out More}
When: Sunday, August 5, 2018; 8:30am
Where: Silver Park, 2930 S. Union Ave., Alliance, OH 44601
Cost: FREE

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. Registration begins at 8am. Fishing starts at 9am and runs until 11am. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, August 11, 2018; 8am-11am
Where: Whitacre Greer Park, 4290 Irish Rd. NW, Waynesburg, 44688
Cost: FREE

FREE Kids Fishing at Summit Metroparks
Kids 15 and younger can learn the basics of fishing, then drop a line at Alder Pond. A few rods and reels will be available for use. Bait is provided. {Find Out More}
When: Friday, August 31, 2018; 5pm-7pm
Where: Goodyear Heights Metro Park, Pioneer Area, 550 Frazier Ave., Akron, OH 44305
Cost: FREE

September 2018

FREE Bob Meister Special Needs Kids Fishing Derby
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. Reservations are required. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, September 8, 2018; 10am-1pm
Where: Sippo Lake Park, 5300 Tyner St. NW, Canton, OH 44708
Cost: FREE

Grandparents Day Family Fishing at Medina County Park District
Families are invited to fish at the ponds at Wolf Creek Environmental Center. Fishing is permitted at this park only during this program. No fishing experience is necessary; Staff and volunteer fishermen will be available to assist you and your family. A limited amount of rods and reels and bait will be available for use. Children must be accompanied by an adult. {Find Out More}
When: Sunday, September 9, 2018; 1pm-4pm
Where: Wolf Creek Environmental Center, 6100 Ridge Rd., Wadsworth, OH 44281
Cost: FREE (Registration is required)

FREE Kids' Fishing with Summit Metro Parks
Kids 15 and under learn the basics of fishing. A few rods and reels will be available. Bait is provided. {Find Out More}
When: Friday, September 14, 2018; 6pm-8pm
Where: Firestone Metropark, Little Turtle Pond, 2400 Harrington Rd., Akron, OH 44319
Cost: FREE

FREE Family Fishing with Summit Metro Parks
Ready for some after-school family fun? Join Naturalist Becca Zak to learn the basics of fishing, then drop a line in Summit Lake. A limited number of rods and reels will be available for use. Bait is provided. {Find Out More}
When: Wednesday, September 19, 2018; 4:30pm-6pm
Where: Towpath Trail, Summit Lake Trailhead, 380 W. Crosier St., Akron, OH 44311
Cost: FREE

October 2018

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 encouraged but drop-ins welcome! {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, October 6, 2018; 11am-1pm
Where: Walker Road Park Reservoir, 31621 Walker Rd., Avon Lake 44012
Cost: FREE

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.

Photo Source