West Country kids can learn to catch and properly handle fish during the return of the Kids Fishing Derby at the Children’s Fishing Pond in Rocky Mountain House August 23.

Organized by the Rocky Fish & Game Association, the Kids Fish Derby has been running at the pond just past North Saskatchewan River park for nearly 20 years.

Kids of all experience levels are invited to sign up, says Rocky Fish & Game 2025 fishing chair, Devin Coleman, as it’s a great opportunity to get into the sport of fishing.

“The event is all about getting the kids out fishing— less Xbox and more tackle box,” says Coleman. “They’ll learn how to handle the fish and what you do with them after they’re caught.”

Coleman adds, the pond will be stocked with around 550 fish just before the derby.

New this year, 20 fish in the pond have been specially tagged, and kids who catch one of the specially marked fish will receive a special prize.

While every child goes home with a goodie bag, there will be prizes for the top three in the 3-9 year category (minnows), and the 10-15 (pan frys) including fishing gear donated by local businesses.

Around 47 participants came to the 2024, says Coleman, and he’s anticipating an even bigger turnout in 2025.

Prizes are sponsored by local businesses such as Tackle and Trails, Rolf’s Groceries, Munchems, Edwards Garage, Caroline Supplies among others.

“We want to keep it local, we didn’t go out of town for anything,” says Coleman. “It’s all about the community, and getting kids out and about and having some fun.”

For the Kids Fish Derby, registration begins at 8 a.m. on Saturday Aug. 23, with fishing going from at 9 a.m. to around 1 p.m. with prizes being handed out at 1:30.

Click here to find out more about the Rocky Fish & Game Association.