Annual Children's Fishing Derbies - FREE!
Saturday, May 20, 2023 at Wallace Lake, Millstream Run Reservation, Berea
Sunday, May 21, 2023 at Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation, Cuyahoga Heights
Kids can reel in big fun at the annual Cleveland Metroparks Children’s Fishing Derbies.
Two sessions each day:
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 and Wallace Lake 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 at Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation.
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 Derbies:
Wallace Lake Derbies: Follow the signs on Valley Parkway in Mill Stream Run Reservation, south of Bagley Road in Berea.
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.