Youth fishing events

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

Columbia County
Date Event Location Who may participate Sponsor and contact information

3-5 p.m.

Dayton Kid's Fishing Event

Dayton Fishing Pond

714 S. 2nd St.

Children over four years of age

City of Dayton

King County
Date Event Location Who may participate Sponsor and contact information

Saturday, 8am - 2pm

I'm Hooked FREE Family Fishing Event
  • Location: Steel Lake Park, 2410 S 312th St, Federal Way, WA 98003

All Ages

Registration: Online registrations will close Friday, May 3rd, at 4:00 PM. Onsite registrations are welcome on Saturday, May 4th (Time slots are not guaranteed after the close of online registration). Register at May 4th, 2024 Steel Lake Park (Federal Way, WA) - I'm Hooked, Inc. (flipcause.com)

In partnership with the I am Hooked Foundation, Federal Way Parks Department, and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, spend the day outdoors (rain or shine), engage in angler education, fishing, and health & wellness activities. Loaner rods and tackle are provided.

Community mentors will help guide your child and family in the art of fishing, nature, health, and wellness and instill a love and passion to enjoy for years to come!

Activities include:

  • Angler Education Station
  • Water Safety
  • Shoreline Fishing
  • Aquatic Ecology
  • Health & Wellness
Mason County
Date Event Location Who may participate Sponsor and contact information

Saturday, 9am - 1pm

Verle's Trout Pond Fishing Event

Location:  Verles LLC, 741 W Golden Pheasant Rd, Shelton, WA, United States, Washington 98584

All Ages

Visit the event website for more information: Verle's Trout Pond Fishing Event 

Join WDFW for the Verle's LLC 2nd Annual Trout Pond Day in Shelton, WA, on April 13! This free event will last from 8 am - 2 pm and is open to kids of all ages and experience levels. At the event, kids will have the opportunity to practice fishing in a safe environment with experienced anglers. All needed fishing gear will be provided for the event.

  • Contact: 360 -426-0933
Pierce County
Date Event Location Who may participate Sponsor and contact information

Saturday, 8am - 2pm

Camp Lakeview Kids Fishing Event

Camp Lakeview, 32919 Benbow Dr E, Graham, WA 98338

kids of all experience levels, ages 5-14.

Cost: Adult guests must pay for day use to obtain a day parking pass. 

Contact: If you have any questions about registration, please reach out to Camp Lakeview at 360-879-5426.

At the event, kids will have the opportunity to practice fishing in a safe environment with experienced anglers. Loaner fishing rods and tackle will be provided. In addition to fishing and fun activities, there will be food trucks for breakfast, lunch and coffee options. 

https://www.camplakeview-at-tanwax.com/kidsfishingevent

Spokane County
Date Event Location Who may participate Sponsor and contact information

8am - 3pm

Clear Lake Kids Fishing Event

Fairchild Airforce Base Clear Lake Recreation Area

Youth

Ages 5-14

Inland Northwest Wildlife Council 

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

Randy Osborne, WDFW,

509-892-1001

Thurston County
Date Event Location Who may participate Sponsor and contact information

Saturday, 8am - 2pm

Lacey Family Fishing Event

Location:  Longs Pond at Woodland Creek Community Park, 6729 Pacific Ave SE, Lacey, WA 98503 

kids ages 4-14 

Cost: $5 per child

Pre-registration required: Lacey Family Fish-In - Lacey Parks, Culture & Recreation

Kids will have 30 minutes to explore fishing information, water safety, and more. Then kids can head over to the pond for one hour of fishing time. Volunteers will be onsite to help teach fishing basics and assist the kids in catching their first fish!

This event is a collaboration of WDFW, Lacey Parks, South Sound Chapter of Puget Sound Anglers, Capital City Bass Club, Cabela’s, and Zebco.

 


Saturday, 8am - 2pm

Columbus Park Family Fishing Event
  • Location: Columbus Park, 5700 Black Lake Blvd SW #62, Olympia, WA 98512

All Ages: Kids 14 and younger fish free

free parking for the event

Looking for a fun-filled weekend with your family? Don’t miss our exciting event featuring a variety of games, crafts, and activities for kids of all ages! Plus, discover local vendors offering unique products and services. You can even win amazing prize.

Kids are encouraged to bring their own poles, but there will also be some available.

  • This event is NOT suitable for 4-legged family members. Your pets must stay home.
  • Food and some activities are offered at minimal fees.