Council Bluffs Parks and Recreation’s Youth Fish Derby will be held at Big Lake Park and limited to 50 participants. Registration runs from June 30 to Aug. 2, or until full. Cost is $5 per angler. There will be no day-of registration.
Age Divisions and Fishing Times
- Ages 7-9 is 9 to 10:15 a.m.
- Ages 10-12 is 10:45 a.m. to noon
- Ages 13-15 is 12:30 to 1:45 p.m
A few of the rules:
- Fishing starts and stops when the horn blows.
- Children under age 16 are not required to have a fishing license.
- One parent or guardian must accompany their child at all times during the competition.
- The assistance of young anglers by parents or adults is allowed, however, parents cannot “fish” for their children. Children MUST be actively involved in the catching of all fish.
- Adults are allowed to provide assistance only with baiting, casting, and removing from hook.
- Children must compete within their appropriate age groups.
- We ask that you practice catch and release for the Derby.
- All Trout MUST be released back into the lake.
- Fish must be taken to the judge’s station to be measured for length. Once the length is recorded, the fish must be returned to the lake.
- Registrant can turn in up to (3) fish to be measured. But only (1) fish can be used for prizes.
- Keep fish alive by stringer or in a 5-gallon bucket or cooler of water.
- All fishing must be done from the shore. No wading. The dock is off-limits.
- Each registrant is limited to the use of (1) fishing pole, with the maximum of (2) hooks, (2) trolling spoons, or (2) artificial bait per line.
- Registrants must supply their own bait or lures.
- Both live bait and artificial bait are allowed.
- Do not dump live bait into the lake.
- Live Gizzard Shad CANNOT be used for bait.
- All fish must be caught during hours of competition per each age group.
- Snagging or net fishing is NOT allowed.
- Landing nets are allowed.
- All judges’ decisions will be final. Any argument or disagreement will be immediate grounds for disqualification.
- Please be respectful and courteous to other anglers and give as much room between yourself and others as possible keeping in mind social distancing guidelines. Remember there will be plenty of fish and we are all here to have fun.
