A fun, free fishing derby event for kids 15 and under is returning to the Children’s Fishing Pond in Rocky Mountain House August 24.

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 President, Devin Coleman, as it’s a great opportunity to get into the sport of fishing.

Around 20 participants came to the 2023 event with around 86 fish caught, says Coleman, and he’s hoping for an even bigger turnout in 2024.

When it comes to enthusiasm for the sport of fishing among generation alpha, Coleman says it can be a mixed bag.

“It kind of depends on how they’re brought up,” says Coleman. “Some kids get into it when their parents aren’t into it, but they like to fish anyway.”

Prizes are sponsored by local businesses such as Tackle and Trails, Rocky Credit Union, Munchems, as well as donations from Stephen Brown, Sandra Mayhew and Clayton and Kyla Chambers.

Kids will compete in two categories during the fun event, says Coleman, with ages 10-15 and 9 and under vying for prizes.

Among the categories for 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes, are biggest fish caught, first fish caught, and youngest fisher says Coleman.

There’s a prize for every participant, says Coleman, as every kid will go away with a goodie bag.

Organizers say the event will also feature a food truck and ice cream truck on site.

For more information, people can visit the Rocky Fish & Game Association set up every Thursday during Marketplace on Main.

At the booth, Coleman says folks can also buy raffle tickets for a chance to win a sturgeon fishing trip to the Fraser River

For the Kids Fish Derby, registration begins at 8 a.m. on Saturday Aug. 24, with fishing going from at 9 a.m. to around 2 p.m.

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

Participants at Kids Fishing Derby near Rocky Mountain House. (Photo by Devin Coleman)