The Cleveland Metroparks annual Spring Fishing Derby is happening on Sunday, May 20 at Wallace Lake in Berea. This is a chance for young anglers to try their luck at catching rainbow trout, catfish and a variety of other fish while competing for prizes. Children can also learn how to cast and test their skills at the casting challenge.
Sessions are free and are scheduled from 9am to noon for ages 4 to 8 and from 1 to 4pm for ages 9 to 15. Experienced anglers will be on hand to provide guidance and help those new to fishing. Bait such as red worms, maggots and corn will be available at no charge for derby participants. Organizers advise participants to bring a rod, tackle and a cooler with ice to store the “catch of the day.” Loaner rods, which are fully rigged for bait fishing, are available while supplies last for children who do not have their own.
At the end of each session, prizes will be award. Categories for prizes include the largest trout, largest other fish, smallest fish and best cast from the casting challenge.
No pre-registration is required to take part in the event. Simply go to the big tent to register when you arrive on derby day. All children, especially those new to fishing, are encouraged to learn how to cast at the casting challenge station.
Wallace Lake will be closed to fishing beginning on the day of stocking, which occurs a few days prior to the derby. Each area will reopen for youth fishing only at the derby. Youth and adults may fish in derby waters when the event is over at 4pm. Wallace Lake is located in the Metroparks’ Mill Stream Run Reservation in Berea.
