West Country kids and youth can learn to fish and win prizes when the Kids Fishing Derby returns to the Children’s Fishing Pond near Rocky Mountain House on Aug. 22.

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

Everyone who enters the derby will receive a door prize, said Rocky Fish & Game 2026 fishing chair Fedor Popov. Special prizes will also be awarded for the biggest fish caught.

The top three fish caught in each age group — ages 3 to 9 (minnows) and ages 10 to 15 (panfrys) — will receive fishing prizes donated by Munchems, Caroline Supplies and Tackle, and Trails.

Popov said the event is a perfect introduction to the sport of fishing, with participants encouraged to bring entry-level, barbless fishing tackle to get started.

The free event will also include a hot dog lunch, says Popov.

Registration for the Kids Fishing Derby begins at 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 22. Fishing runs from 9 a.m. to about 1 p.m., with prizes handed out at 1:30 p.m.

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