Annual Children's Fishing Derbies - FREE!
PLEASE NOTE: We have a change this year with our spring fishing derby at the Wallace Lake location. Due to ongoing construction on the new concession at the lake the site will not be suitable for a big event in May. So we are being adaptive at this location and offering a Photo Submission Fishing Derby where kids under 16 years old can fish the lake anytime on May 18 or 19 and submit their favorite photos from the day to [email protected] to be considered for 3 prizes for "Best Photo" (we will have several judges making the decisions)! Note: they can be fun photos of fishing from the day and do not necessarily need to include fish. Parents MUST fill out the online photo release to be eligible. Winner will be announced in the May 23 fishing report.
Sunday, May 19, 2024 at Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation, Cuyahoga Heights
Kids can reel in big fun at the annual Cleveland Metroparks Children’s Fishing Derby.
Two sessions:
Children, ages 4 to 8 fish from 9 a.m. to noon
Youth, ages 9 to 15, fish from 1 to 4 p.m.
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.
Experienced anglers will be on hand to help those new to fishing. Bait will be available at no charge. Bring a rod, tackle and a cooler with ice to store your “catch of the day.” Loaner rods (fully rigged for bait fishing) will be available.
Prizes will be awarded at the end of each session, noon and 4 p.m. SHARP!
Prize categories will include the largest trout, largest other fish, smallest fish and best cast from casting challenge. You must be present to win.
Ohio & Erie Canal fishing area will be stocked with rainbow trout and channel catfish during the week prior to the derbies. These areas will be closed to public fishing starting on the day of stocking. Areas will reopen for youth fishing only, during derbies. Adults may fish after events are over at 4:00 p.m.
Events are rain or shine. No pre-registration required. Please go to the big tent when you arrive on derby day to register. All children are encouraged to learn to cast and/or test their skills at the casting challenge station.
Shuttles will provide rides throughout the event for seniors and persons with disabilities.
Fishing recommendations: To reduce tangles, use single hooks or rigs using single hooks (no treble hooks). Still-fishing methods are strongly recommended, using live or processed bait fished from either bobber or bottom rigs. Bobber rigs are simplest for children to use since bites are easy to see.
For more information, call Youth Outdoors at 216-206-1010.
Directions to the Children’s Fishing Derby:
Ohio & Erie Canal Derbies: Park at the CanalWay Center parking lot, located down the hill from the E. 49
th Street entrance to Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation in Cuyahoga Hts. Follow the trail from the parking lot to the canal.