Youth Fishing Derby
Children 15 yrs or younger | Saturday, April 27, 2024 from 9am-4pmAdvanced Registration for 2024 Now Open
Registration for the 35th Annual OFAH Under the Lock Fishing Derby is now open
- Saturday, April 27, 2024 from 9am-4pm. On-site registration and ticket pick up begins at 8am;
- Open to children 15 years and younger only. Adults may assist young children or those with mobility issues but adults may not fish themselves;
- $15.00 for the first youth; $10.00 for each additional child in the same immediate family at time of registration;
- Hot dog, granola bar, and milk provided for each youth participant;
- Registered youth from the “Youth Fishing Derby” may fish the “All Ages Derby” using their existing wristband;
- Instant prizes for tagged fish will be awarded to registered youth;
- Limit of two tagged fish prizes per registered youth;
- Each registration will receive a goody bag with OFAH fish posters, Ontario OUT of DOORS magazine, stickers, and more. Pick them up at the registration booths;
- Safety first. Youth must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. It is strongly encouraged that participants bring and wear personal flotation devices (PFDs) when fishing at the canal.
This event is family friendly and run by passionate volunteers and staff. Poor behaviour will not be tolerated.
Lunch Sponsors
Over $25,000 in prizes
Thanks to our many generous sponsors anglers will have the chance to win cold hard cash, fishing gear, Summer Camp enrollment or many other wonderful prizes.
Youth Derby – Tagged Fish Grand Prizes
Grand Prize #1: "Walter"
$1000 cash
Value: $1,000
Sponsor: Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters
Caught by: Justin Desbarbieux
Grand Prize #2: "Rosie"
OFAH Get Outdoors Day Camp + $200 cash
Value: $425
Sponsor: David Rose
Caught by: TBA
Grand Prize #3: "Bertie"
OFAH Get Outdoors Day Camp + $200 cash
Value: $425
Sponsor: David Rose
Caught by: TBA
Grand Prize #4: Kayak
Kayak
Value: $400
Sponsor: Ontario Federation of Anglers & Hunters
Caught by: TBA
Plus 500 tagged Fish Prizes!
- Bicycles, scooters, fishing rods, fishing nets, lure kits, tackle bags, camping gear, and more from our great sponsors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below is a list of common questions surrounding the OFAH Under the Lock fishing derby.How much are derby passes?
- Youth (15 & under) are $15 with additional children of the same immediate family $10 each.
- Adults (16+) passes are $25.
Your pass (wristband/ski tag) allows you to fish the whole week (youth-only fishing on Saturday, April 27).
During the Saturday Youth Derby, are parents allowed to fish?
Parents may only assist very young children or those with mobility issues. The child must be actively involved in fishing to claim any tagged fish prize. Fishing lines must be taken out of the water if the child is not actively fishing (sleeping, eating, washroom, etc.). Please no adult fishing on the first Saturday!
How many fish can I keep?
Two (2) Trout per person per day may be kept. Once you have caught your two Trout you may continue to fish but must catch and release. MNRF regulations still apply for aggregate possession limit: S-5 and C-2.
Can I fly fish?
Fly fishing is not allowed on April 29-30 as the canal will be too busy with anglers.
Fly fishing is allowed Monday, May 1 to Sunday, May 7.
What if I’m too young/old to attend one of the summer camp grand prizes?
You may transfer the spot in camp to someone you know or it will be offered to a local youth in need of financial assistance.
When is the derby?
Youth Derby: Saturday, April 27 from 9am to 4pm.
All Ages Derby: Sunday, April 28 at 9am to Sunday, May 5 at 4pm.
Do I need a fishing licence?
It depends. Most people ages 18 to 65 need a valid Outdoors Card and Recreational Fishing Licence to fish in Ontario.
People under 18 or over 65, those with disabilities, and veterans do not need a fishing licence. Please refer to the 2023 Ontario Fishing Regulations for exact wording.
Can adults win the tagged fish prizes this year?
Yes. The four grand prize tagged fish (Walter, Rosie, Berty, Kayak) can be claimed by adults if not caught by the kids during the youth derby.
The sponsored tagged fish for cash prizes will be released after the Saturday youth derby and are available to win by both adults and youth fishing from Sunday to Sunday.
How do I know if I won an early bird prize?
All winners will be notified by phone and/or email. A winner’s list will be updated online and on the leaderboard at the derby.
OFAH Under the Lock Fishing Derby proudly sponsored by
Contact Us
1-800-263-OFAH (6324) ext. 254
OFAH Conservation Centre
PO Box 2800
Peterborough, Ontario
K9J 8L5
