Youth Fishing Derby at Alley Park
Join us on Saturday, June 20, 2026 for the Hooks 'n Bobbers Youth Fishing Derby at Alley Park on Lake Loretta for youth ages 3-15 years old.
Sponsored by: Fairfield County Sheriff's Office and Lancaster Parks & Recreation.
Pre-registration is required to participate in this free event.
Check in begins at 8:15am. Fishing is from 9-10am.
Prizes awarded at 10:15am near the sign in tables.
Youth FISHING DERBY RULES & REGULATIONS
- All participants must sign in before fishing (Check in opens at 8:15am). Swag will be distributed at that time.
- The Fishing Derby officially begins at 9:00 AM (NO FISHING BEFORE!) – Horn will blow at start and end.
- The official weigh-in closes at 10 AM. Prizes awarded at 10:15AM.
- Observe and respect other people around you.
- PLEASE PICK UP ALL TRASH AT THE END OF THE DERBY!
- Let kids fish as much as they can.
- One fishing pole per child.
- All fish caught must be taken to a weigh-in station for official count and/or weight.
- Fish must be caught from shore where access is permitted. Boats, floats and rafts of any kind are not permitted.
- The biggest fish category will be determined by weight. Prizes will be awarded to the youth with the Most Fish Caught, the Biggest Fish Caught and the Smallest Fish Caught (all subject to change).
DECISIONS AND LIABILITY
- Each participant, upon registering to participate in the Lancaster Parks and Recreation Youth Fishing Derby, agrees to hold the sponsors, organizers, and event volunteers harmless from any liability of any nature and kind for any injuries and or damages suffered during or after the period of the Lancaster Parks and Recreation Youth Fishing Derby.
- There is a minimum age of 3 years for participants, however, all minors must be with a parent or a guardian at all times during the event.
- All participants agree to give the Lancaster Parks and Recreation Department full rights for promotional or commercial purposes of their likeness in any photograph and or video taken during the Lancaster Parks and Recreation Youth Fishing Derby.
- Participants agree to abide by the Official Rules and Regulations and agree that failure to comply with any of the rules will result in automatic disqualification, forfeiture of all prizes/recognition as a prize winner.
- The organizers reserve the right to amend, add to, remove or otherwise change any of the rules and regulations for this contest, without prior notice, if it is deemed by them to be in the best interest of all parties involved in the derby.
- Restrooms open in the upstairs and downstairs of the Nature Center.
- Nature Center is open for young fishers that might need a break, and they can see the animals and displays.
- Bait is provided. Fishing Poles can be signed out for the event.