Youth fishing events

Panhandle Family Fishing Day — Photo by WDFW

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

Grant County
Date	Event	Location	Who may participate	Sponsor and contact information
May 10, 2025 10 a.m - 2 p.m.	Kids Fishing Day Event Flyer (PDF)	Cascade Park: 2001 W Valley Rd Campground Marina Lake Moses, WA	Kindergarten - 6th Grade ONLY	City of Moses Lake Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services

Kitsap County
Date	Event	Location	Who may participate	Sponsor and contact information
Apr 26, 2025 9 a.m - 1 p.m.	Kitsap Poggie Club Kid's Fishing Party Event Flyer (PDF)	Jarstad Park in Gorst: 4398 W Belfair Valley Rd.	Open to all ages 5-14	Kitsap Poggie Club

Skagit County
Date	Event	Location	Who may participate	Sponsor and contact information
Apr 26, 2025 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.	Lake McMurray Volunteer Fire Department Annual Kids Fishing Derby	Lake McMurray, Public Boat Ramp at the south end of the lake	Open to all 14 years and younger	Lake McMurray Volunteer Fire Department

Snohomish County
Date	Event	Location	Who may participate	Sponsor and contact information
May 3, 2025 8 a.m. - 11 a.m.	Jim Brauch Memorial Youth Fishing Event 2025 (PDF)	Jennings Pond	Youth ages 4-14	Everett Steelhead & Salmon Youth Organization
May 10, 2025 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.	Jim Brauch Memorial Youth Fishing Event 2025 (PDF)	Silver Lake	Youth ages 4-14	Everett Steelhead & Salmon Youth Organization
May 17, 2025 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.	Jim Brauch Memorial Youth Fishing Event 2025 (PDF)	Smokey Point	Youth ages 4-14	Everett Steelhead & Salmon Youth Organization

Spokane County
Date	Event	Location	Who may participate	Sponsor and contact information
May 10, 2025 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.	Clear Lake Kids Fishing Event Registration Form (PDF)	Fairchild AFB Clear Lake Recreation Area Directions (PDF)	Youth ages 5-14	Randy Osborne WDFW 509-892-1001 Donation Letter (PDF)

Whatcom County
Date	Event	Location	Who may participate	Sponsor and contact information
May 10, 2025 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.	2025 Bellingham Kids' Fishing Derby	Whatcom Falls Derby Pond, 1401 Electric Ave, Bellingham	Ages 5 to 9 from 9 to 10 a.m. Ages 10 to 14 from 11 a.m. to noon Yeager's led instruction begins at 8 a.m.	Registration information The Bellingham Kids’ Fishing Derby is back! Collect a free ticket 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.