FRANKFORT, Ky. – The challenge of taking kids fishing is that they want to catch fish. Parents have a better chance of making this happen during a series of special free fishing events for kids being held across the state on Saturday, June 7.
Many event locations will be specially stocked with fish to increase the odds of success. Some events feature free food and prizes for young anglers.
The events are a celebration of Kentucky’s free fishing weekend on June 7-8. Every year during the first full weekend of June, anglers do not need a fishing license or even a trout permit. Normally, people over the age of 15 must have a license to fish away from their property.
Normal size limits and creel limits for fish still apply during free fishing weekend, however.
Kids angling for stocked fish at these special events don’t need fancy or expensive equipment. Typically, all it takes is a red worm or a mealworm dangled underneath a bobber. At some events, loaner fishing equipment and even bait is available for free.
Following is a list of some of the state’s fishing derbies. Unless otherwise noted, all will be held at local times on Saturday, June 7.
Bullitt County: Kids Fishing Derby, 8 a.m. to noon, located just off KY 245 (Clermont Road) across from the Happy Hollow Road entrance to Jim Beam Distillery.
Calloway County: Murray-Calloway County Kids Fishing Event, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., Imes Farm, 4064 U.S. 641 North, Murray. For youth from preschool through age 15.
Campbell County: Alexandria Community Park Fishing Derby, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Alexandria Community Park Lake, Alexandria Drive. All kids 15 and under will receive a free T-shirt. Prizes for largest catfish and trout. Loaner equipment available
Clay County: Redbird Ranger District Kid’s Fishing Derby, 9 a.m. to noon, Little Double Creek Pond, located behind office at 91 Peabody Road, Big Creek, Ky. For kids 5 to 15. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Fishing is not permitted at derby locations on the day prior to the event. The pond is located in the Redbird District of the Daniel Boone National Forest, due east of London off KY 66. Call (606) 598-2192 for more information.
Franklin County: Kids Fishing Derby, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. June 6 and 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. June 7, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources’ main campus, 1 Sportsman’s Lane, Frankfort. Lower lake will remain open during daylight hours for all anglers. Upper lake will close to fishing Friday, June 6, except that anglers 15 and under only may fish in the lake from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Upper lake open for youth fishing only from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, June 7. The lake will reopen to all anglers after 11 a.m. Both lakes will receive special stockings of catfish and hybrid bluegill. Anglers should bring fishing equipment and bait. The campus is located off U.S. 60 west of Frankfort.
Franklin County: Anderson County Sheriff’s Department DARE Fishing Derby, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., Hope Community Church, 5930 U.S. 127, Frankfort. For kids 15 and under. Special stocking of fish. Cookout at noon.
Jackson County: Fishing Derby, 8:30 a.m. to noon, Turkey Foot Recreation Area, Daniel Boone National Forest. For kids 5 to 15 and seniors over 60. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Fishing is not permitted at derby locations on the day prior to the event. Call (606) 864-4163 for more information.
Kenton County: Middleton-Mills Park Fishing Derby, 9 a.m. to noon, Shelter House Pond, 3415 Mills Rd., Covington. Prizes for biggest and smallest fish of each species.
Lawrence County: Yatesville Lake Annual Kids Fishing Day, 9 a.m. to noon, Yatesville Lake State Park Marina, 2667 Pleasant Ridge Road, Louisa. For kids 17 and younger. Prizes awarded. Kids encouraged to bring own poles, but limited number of loaner poles are available. Lunch and bait provided. Call (606) 686-2412 to register.
McCracken County: Noble Park Fish Out Fishing Tournament, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Bob Noble Park Lake, 2801 Park Ave., Paducah. Registration begins at 9 a.m. at Shelter 10. Preregister online at www.paducahky.gov. First 50 kids receive a free cane pole. Anglers should otherwise bring their own fishing gear and bait. Prizes for biggest fish in each age category.
McCreary County: Fishing Derby, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., Barren Fork Horse Camp, Daniel Boone National Forest. For kids 5 to 15. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. Fishing is not permitted at derby locations on the day prior to the event. Call (606) 376-5323 for more information.
Menifee County: Fishing Derby, 8 a.m. to noon, Indian Creek, Daniel Boone National Forest. For kids 5 to 15. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. Fishing is not permitted at derby locations on the day prior to the event. Call (606) 663-8100 for more information.
Montgomery County: Rick Smith’s Fishing in the Park, beginning at 9 a.m., Easy Walker Park Lake, 1395 Osborne Road, Mt. Sterling. Registration begins at 8 a.m. For kids 15 and under. Free food. Prizes for various age groups.
Perry County: Hike and Hook Day, Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, 4441 KY 1833, Buckhorn. Borrow a free fishing pole from the marina to hook a fish and hike two miles of trail. Events will include programs on learning to fish, guided walks on history, wildlife and ecology of the park. Ideal for all ages. Call (606) 398-7510 for more information.
Pulaski County: Kids Fishing Derby, 8 a.m. to noon, Goodwater Pond, Daniel Boone National Forest. For kids 5 to 15. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Fishing not allowed the day before the event. The pond is located in the eastern part of the county off KY 1675, approximately 3 miles north of the KY 1003 intersection. Call (606) 864-4163 for more information.
Rowan County: Cave Run Kids Fishing Derby, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., Minor Clark Fish Hatchery, 120 Fish Hatchery Road (off KY 801), Morehead. Registration begins at 6 a.m. For kids 15 and under, must be accompanied by an adult. Three hatchery ponds open for fishing. Special stockings of trout, catfish, largemouth bass and hybrid sunfish. Events include casting contest, BB gun shoot and outdoor booths. Fish cleaning stations and free hot dogs. Limited amount of bait and fishing equipment available. Raffles for fishing poles.
Russell County: Catch a Rainbow Annual Kids Fishing Derby, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery, 50 Kendall Road, Jamestown. Staggered fishing times for ages 5-15, with ages 5-6 going first. Anglers should bring their own tackle. No fly rods. Prizes awarded. Kids fishing pool for ages 1-4 from 9 a.m. to noon, with fishing rods provided. The hatchery is located 12 miles south of Jamestown off U.S. 127. Call (270) 343-3797 for more information.
