The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife teams up with businesses, organizations and volunteers from all over Washington to provide fishing opportunities for children ages 5 to 14. Most of these events take place from April through June, and each provides a day of fishing for a few dozen to several hundred kids and their families.
Each of these youth fishing events is different from all the rest. Some require pre-registration and have a cap on the number of participants while others are open to anyone who wants to drop in; some provide rod-and-reel combos that kids can take home at the end of the day, some provide loaner rods and reels, and other require that kids bring all their own tackle. To learn more, check with the local contact listed for each event on the schedule below.
Watch our kids’ fishing event highlights video to share the fun before you choose an event in your area.
Upcoming youth fishing events
| Date | Event | Location | Who may participate | Sponsor and contact information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
10 a.m - 2 p.m. |
Kids Fishing Day | Cascade Park: 2001 W Valley Rd Campground Marina Lake Moses, WA |
Kindergarten - 6th Grade ONLY |
City of Moses Lake Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services |
| Date | Event | Location | Who may participate | Sponsor and contact information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
8 a.m. - 1 p.m. |
Jim Brauch Memorial Youth Fishing Event 2025 | Silver Lake |
Youth ages 4-14 |
Everett Steelhead & Salmon Youth Organization |
|
8 a.m. - 1 p.m. |
Jim Brauch Memorial Youth Fishing Event 2025 | Smokey Point |
Youth ages 4-14 |
Everett Steelhead & Salmon Youth Organization |
| Date | Event | Location | Who may participate | Sponsor and contact information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
8 a.m. – 3 p.m. |
Clear Lake Kids Fishing Event | Fairchild AFB Clear Lake Recreation Area |
Youth ages 5-14 |
Randy Osborne WDFW 509-892-1001 |
| Date | Event | Location | Who may participate | Sponsor and contact information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. |
2025 Bellingham Kids' Fishing Derby | Whatcom Falls Juvenile Fishing Pond, 1401 Electric Ave, Bellingham |
Ages 5 to 9 fish from 9 to 10 a.m. Ages 10 to 14 fish from 11 a.m. to noon
Yeager's led instruction begins at 8 a.m. |
The 72nd annual Bellingham Kids’ Fishing Derby is back! Get a free ticket the day of the derby on site before it starts to join this long running fishing contest (limit 2) and opportunities to win and learn about local fish and habitats. Parking is limited. Additional parking is available at Bloedel-Donovan Park. Brought to you by Northwest Washington Steelheaders, Bellingham Parks & Recreation, Bellingham Technical College, Yeager’s Sporting Goods and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. |