Wondering if there are any fishing derbies happening in 2020? We know many events are being canceled and we are working to bring you the details about which fishing derbies are happening and which ones are canceled. 

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.

📢 Important Note: Please note that the following events appear to be happening. However events are changing often, so please visit the websites provided for the individual to confirm before making plans. Thanks!

If you know of an event that isn't listed, please submit the details here and we will get it added. Thanks for keeping us all informed!

Upcoming Fishing Derby Events for Kids

FREE Fishing with Friends Opening Week
This summer, join in for this popular fishing program! June 17-July 24, 2020, poles, bait and knowledgeable attendants will be available. Stop up once to give it a try or make it a part of your daily routine! From 10am-2pm at Walker Road Park, catch Bluegill, Bass and Catfish! (This program is designed for kids 15 and under (families encouraged! Other ages may be accommodated, but please check with the attendant.) {Find Out More}
When: June 17-20, 2020; 10am-2pm
Wed., Thurs., Fri. & Sat., June 17-July 24, 2020; 10am-2pm
Where: Walker Road Park Reservoir, 31621 Walker Rd., Avon Lake 44012
Cost: FREE

If you know of any other fishing events for kids, please submit the details and we'll add it to the list.

Important Message - Event Cancellations

Below are the details of the annual events that traditionally take place across Northeast Ohio each year. We, like you, look forward to these events.

Unfortunately they will not be taking place this year.

We hope they will be back next year. 

Canceled Youth Fishing Derby Events

We hope these fun events are back in 2021! The following fishing derbies 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 it to the list. 

FREE Kid's Fishing Derby (CANCELED)
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! Children should bring their own fishing poles. {Find Out More}
When: Canceled for 2020
Where: Silver Park, 2930 S. Union Ave., Alliance, OH 44601
Cost: FREE

FREE Fishing Derby at Sunny Lake Park in Aurora (CANCELED)
Trophies and raffle prizes! Refreshments included and limited bait provided. {Find Out More}
When: Canceled for 2020
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 [REGISTER; Register at the Walker Building, 129 W. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH (330) 562-4333 or register the day of the event at Sunny Lake Park registration table.]

FREE Take a Kid Fishing Day at Stark Parks (CANCELED)
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 needed for any family member. Bring your own bait, hook and bobbers. {Find Out More}
When: Canceled for 2020
Where: Lake Hodgson, 5331 Lakewood Rd., Ravenna, OH 44266
Cost: FREE [REGISTER]

FREE Black River Game Club Fishing Derby (CANCELED)
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: Canceled for 2020
Where: Findley State Park (Picnic Point Shelterhouse), 25381 State Route 58, Wellington, OH 44090
Cost: FREE [REGISTER]

FREE Pep Tamargo Memorial/Berkley Fishing Derby at Stark Parks (CANCELED)
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: Canceled for 2020
Where: Sippo Lake Park & Marina, 5300 Tyner St. NW, Canton, OH 44708
Cost: FREE [REGISTER]

New Philadelphia First Town Days: Fishing Derby (CANCELED)
This fishing derby is part of the First Town Days Festival. {Find Out More}
When: Canceled for 2020
Where: Tuscora Park Lake, New Philadelphia, OH 44663
Cost: FREE

FREE Canton Parks & Rec Youth Fishing Derby (CANCELED)
Cast your line and reel in a big one! Join in at Westbrook Park Pond for a fun morning of fishing and prizes. {Find Out More}
When: Canceled for 2020
Where: Westbrook Pond Park, 13th St. & Harrison Ave. NW, Canton, OH 44708
Cost: FREE and open to the public [REGISTER]

Westlake Fishing Derby (CANCELED)
The annual youth fishing derby is for kids ages 12 and under. {Find Out More}
When: Canceled for 2020
Where: Recreation Center Park, 28955 Hilliard Blvd., Westlake, OH 44145
Cost: $10/child, includes bait and prizes (while supplies last)

FREE Mayor's Fishing Rodeo (CANCELED)
The rodeo is open to children ages 2-12 living in the North Canton school district. Registration is between 8am to 9am with the fishing competition from 9am to 10:30am. Prizes, provided by the North Canton Fraternal Order of Eagles, will be awarded after the competition ends. {Find Out More}
When: Canceled for 2020
Where: Price Park, 1000 W. Maple St., North Canton, OH 44720
Cost: FREE

FREE Let's Go Fishing! Avon Lions Annual Fishing Derby (CANCELED)
The Avon Lions annual fishing derby for kids will once again take place at Northgate Park. {Find Out More}
When: Canceled for 2020
Where: Northgate Park, 2155 Eaton Dr., Avon, OH 44011
Cost: FREE

FREE Hooked on Fishing at Mill Creek Metro Parks (CANCELED)
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: Canceled for 2020
Where: MetroParks Farm, 7574 Columbiana-Canfield Rd., Canfield, OH 44406
Cost: FREE

Safe Boating & Beach Festival + Kids Fishing at Pleasant Hill Lake Park (CANCELED)
Enjoy a day of fun at the beach with free boat rides, kids fishing, kayaking, log rolling, live animals, vintage boat exhibit, DJ music, free give a ways and swim with a mermaid. {Find Out More}
When: Canceled for 2020
Where: 3431 State Route 95, Perrysville, OH 44864
Cost: $10/car admission fee for all-day free access to activities

FREE Cook's Lagoon Children & Senior Fishing Derby (CANCELED)
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 provided by the Stark Parks, Stark County Federation of Conservation Clubs, and the Berkley Fishing Team. {Find Out More}
When: Canceled for 2020
Where: Cook's Lagoon Park, 1819 Mahoning Rd. NE, Canton 44705
Cost: FREE [REGISTER; register on-site the day of the event]

FREE Family Fishing Frenzy with Lake Metroparks {Find Out More} (CANCELED)
When: Canceled for 2020
Where: Hidden Lake, 7024 Kniffen Rd., Painesville, OH 44077
Cost: FREE

Catfish with Cops (CANCELED)
This is an event to promote good community policing by allowing police officers and community locals to gather together and enjoy the sport of fishing. The event will be catfishing only. Only shore fishing will be permitted. {Find Out More}
When: Canceled for 2020
Where: Walborn Reservoir, 11324 Price St. NE, Alliance, OH 44601
Cost: $5/person goes toward the ranger explorer program.

FREE City of Macedonia Family Fishing Day (CANCELED)
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: Canceled for 2020
Where: Macedonia Family Recreation Center, 1494 E. Aurora Rd., Macedonia, OH 44056
Cost: FREE [REGISTER]

FREE Fishing Friday at Summit Metroparks (CANCELED)
Join in for a fun day of fishing! Each month spotlights one of Ohio's native fish that can be caught in Summit Metro Parks. {Find Out More}
When: Canceled for 2020
Where: Liberty Park, Tinkers Creek Area, 10303 Aurora-Hudson Rd., Streetsboro, OH 44241
Cost: FREE

FREE Streetboro Fishing Derby (CANCELED)
This event is open to all ages; children age 4-12 must be accompanied by an adult. Each participant will receive a small fishing pack and entry to our contests. Please bring your own fishing gear and bait. {Find Out More}
When: Canceled for 2020
Where: Thomas Heritage Park, OH-303, Streetsboro, OH 44241
Cost: FREE

FREE Avon Lake Fall Fishing Derby (CANCELED)
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. 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: Canceled for 2020
Where: Walker Road Park Reservoir, 31621 Walker Rd., Avon Lake 44012
Cost: FREE

FREE Cops ‘N Kids “Take Me Fishing” (CANCELED)
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: Canceled for 2020
Where: Bob Giardina Lake (formally Mineral Lake), 15820 Ridgewood Dr., Middlefield, OH 44062
Cost: FREE

FREE Hooked On Fishing (CANCELED)
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: Canceled for 2020
Where: MetroParks Farm, 7574 Columbiana-Canfield Rd., Canfield, OH 44406
Cost: FREE

Grandparents Day Family Fishing at Medina County Park District (CANCELED)
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: Canceled for 2020
Where: Wolf Creek Environmental Center, 6100 Ridge Rd., Wadsworth, OH 44281
Cost: FREE (Registration is required)

Trout Derby at Summit Metroparks (CANCELED)
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: Canceled for 2020
Where: Firestone Metro Park, Little Turtle Pond, 2400 Harrington Rd., Akron, OH 44319
Cost: FREE

Go Fish! with Lake Metroparks (CANCELED)
Cast your line and catch fish and fun at Hidden Lake! Learn fishing basics as you fish for largemouth bass and bluegill. Fishing poles and bait provided, or you may bring your own. For ages 4-12. {Find Out More}
When: Canceled for 2020
Where: Hidden Lake North, 7024 Kniffen Rd., Painesville, OH 44077
Cost: $5/child

Family Fishing Derby with Medina County Parks (CANCELED)
Grab a rod and reel in an afternoon of fishing fun during this 6th Annual Medina County Park District Family Fishing Derby! Parent/child teams can register and fish any time between 11am and 3pm. 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. All ages are welcome. {Find Out More}
When: Canceled for 2020
Where: Buffalo Creek Retreat, 8708 Hubbard Valley Rd., Seville, OH 44273
Cost: FREE

FREE Jack Cullen Memorial Trout Derby (CANCELED)
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. For children ages 4-15. {Find Out More}
When: Canceled for 2020
Where: Lock 4 Trailhead at Lock 4 Park, 6600 Block of Erie Ave. NW, Canal Fulton, OH 44614
Cost: FREE

Kid's Fishing at Summit Metroparks (CANCELED)
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. Adults must supervise their children but are not permitted to fish. {Find Out More}
When: Canceled for 2020
Where: Firestone Metro Park, Little Turtle Pond, 2400 Harrington Rd., Akron, OH 44319
Cost: FREE

Adapted Fantastic Fishing with Lake Metroparks (CANCELED)
Cast your line and catch fish and fun at Hidden Lake! Learn fishing basics as we fish for largemouth bass and bluegill. For ages 4-12. {Find Out More}
When: Canceled for 2020
Where: Lake Metroparks Farmpark, 8800 Euclid Chardon Rd., Kirtland, OH 44094
Cost: $5/child [REGISTER]

Fishing Derby at South Central Park (CANCELED)
Can you tell fishing 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. {Find Out More}
When: Canceled for 2020
Where: 7565 Avon Belden Rd., North Ridgeville, OH 44039
Cost: $5 donation for the children's burn unit

FREE Jackson Parks Fishing Derby (CANCELED)
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}
When: Canceled for 2020
Where: North Park, 7660 Fulton Rd. NW, Massillon, OH 44646
Cost: FREE

FREE Fishing Derby in Stow (CANCELED)
Come out to Stow’s own lake that has been stocked with trout and give the sport of fishing a try! For ages 3-15. {Find Out More}
When: Canceled for 2020
Where: Heritage Lake at Silver Springs Park, 5238 Young Rd., Stow, OH 44224 (Young Rd. entrance to the park)
Cost: FREE

FREE Bob Meister Special Needs Kids Fishing Derby (CANCELED)
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.  {Find Out More}
When: Canceled for 2020
Where: Sippo Lake Park, 5300 Tyner St. NW, Canton, OH 44708
Cost: FREE [REGISTER]

FREE Recreation Trout Derby in Green (CANCELED)
There will be awards for the largest fish caught, the most fish caught, and more! {Find Out More}
When: Canceled for 2020
Where: Boettler Park, 5300 Massillon Rd., North Canton, OH 44720
Cost: FREE [REGISTER]

Richard Fry Memorial Catfish Derby (CANCELED)
Bait, beverages, and food will be for sale. Bring your own pole. Prizes and trophies 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: Canceled for 2020
Where: Petros Lake Park, Woodland Shelter & Lakeview Shelter, 3519 Perry Dr. SW, Canton, OH 44706

FREE Special Needs Trout Derby at Summit Metroparks (CANCELED)
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: Canceled for 2020
Where: Firestone Metro Park, Little Turtle Pond, 2400 Harrington Rd., Akron, OH 44319
Cost: FREE

Family Fishing Day at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center (CANCELED)
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: Canceled for 2020
Where: 28728 Wolf Rd., Bay Village, OH 44140
Cost: $10/person

FREE Sandy & Beaver Canal Fishing Derby (CANCELED)
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: Canceled for 2020
Where: Whitacre Greer Park, 4290 Irish Rd. NW, Waynesburg, 44688
Cost: FREE [REGISTER on-site the day of the derby beginning at 8am]

FREE Young Anglers Fishing Derby (CANCELED)
The lake will be stocked with hundreds of catfish for children through 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: Canceled for 2020
Where: Findley State Park, 25381 State Route 58, Wellington, OH 44090
Cost: FREE and open to the public