14th Annual Youth Fishing Derby Pre-registration is at Bacon Creek General Store May 1st – 15th

Children ages 4-12, must preregister for the event, which is being held at Bacon Creek Park on Saturday, June 5. Registration forms are available at Long John Silvers/A&W Restaurant, 4420 Sergeant Road, and the Bacon Creek Country Store, 2520 Gordon Drive.

A parent’s signature and a $5 entry fee are required with a completed registration form. Each participant will receive a new rod and reel, tackle box and tackle, fishing instruction, a shoreline lunch, and a chance to win a new bike in RiverCade’s River City Anglers Casting Contest.

The number of participants for the annual fishing derby is limited, Claeys said, adding that those interested should sign up as soon as possible.

The Hy-Vee Fishing Derby is a fun, free event that is open to the public. With an anticipated visitor attendance of more than 30,000 people, it provides children up to the age of 15 the chance to fish and win prizes.

Funds raised go directly toward Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa’s mentoring programs. The funds will be used to match children with a carefully-screened, caring Big Brother or Big Sister mentor.

Grab your fishing pole and come down to Water Works Park on Saturday, May 15 from 8-1 p.m. to participate- there is no registration for this event. Children can experience the joys of reeling in the “Big Fish” when they participate in the Hy-Vee Fishing Derby. Catch a tagged fish and win a prize of your choice! Fish cleaning stations are available for those who wish to take home the fish. Fishing licenses are not required to participate in the event. Only children under the age of 15 are allowed to fish at Water Works Park on the day of the Derby. All children must be accompanied by a adult.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is looking for more than 200 volunteers to help the day of the Derby.

More information is available here.

July 22 Cane Pole Fishing: Make your own cane fishing pole and then give it a try, just like Huckleberry Finn.

July 23 Lure Making: Create your own lure and then try it out first hand. Maybe you will create the next best bass lure.

July 24 Fish Fry and Stinky Fishing: Learn how to clean and cook fish and what it tastes like at a good old fashioned fish fry. Then do some evening fishing for catfish using the ever popular stink bait.

For ages 10-13. Registration and/or reservations are required. Call (641) 792-9780 or by stopping in the office at 115 N. Second Ave. E. in Newton.

Schedule:
Wednesday Jul 22nd, 2009     2:00pm -4:00pm
Thursday Jul 23rd, 2009     2:00pm -4:00pm
Friday Jul 24th, 2009     6:00pm -9:00pm

The Des Moines Park and Recreation Department is offering free family fishing programs this summer. For details call Heath Decker at 351-7393

A skills clinic for ages 12 and younger begins Monday at area wading pools. The clinics will teach proper casting and knot tying. Equipment will be provided. Drop-in clinics run from 1 to 3 p.m.

The family day of fishing and fish fry will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 1 at Gray’s Lake Park, 2101 Fleur Drive. Instruction is available. Bring equipment if available; some will be on hand if needed. Participants 16 or older who plan to fish need a valid Iowa fishing license.

Guthrie County Conservation will conduct an Outdoor Adventures Kamp July 31-August 1 at Springbrook Conservation Education Center.

The Kamp is geared for a parent to bring their child, ages 10-14, and spend quality time together doing outdoor activities and learning more about Iowa’s outdoor diversity.

During the two-day, one-night Kamp, parent and child will participate in various activities including canoeing, kayaking, fly tying, fishing, bird banding, orienteering, and edible wild plants. Lodging for the Kamp is in the dorms with shower facilities. All meals will be provided and prepared on site. Cost for the Kamp is $30 per pair of parent and child.

The Kamp begins at 4:30 p.m. July 31 and ends at 4:00 p.m. August 1. To register, contact Brad Halterman, Natural Resource Manager for the Guthrie County Conservation Board, 641-755-3061. The Kamp has limited space available.

Nature Friends presents Fishing at Easter Lake

Tuesday Jul 14th, 2009 6:30pm -7:30pm – Ages: Preschoolers – $7

2830 Easter Lake Drive
Des Moines, IA 50320
(515) 285-7612

Explore a different nature topic each evening through stories, sharing time, guided exploration, and art activities.

Fishing Basics at Thomas Mitchell Park

Thursday Jul 16th, 2009 6:00pm -8:00pm – All Ages – Free -  (515) 323-5300

10509 N.E. 46th Ave.
Mitchellville, IA 50169

Learn about the different kinds of fish in Iowa , fishing safety, casting, and how to tie a hook. Anyone over the age of 16 will need a 2009 Iowa Fishing License. Bait and poles will be provided. Bring something to sit on. All ages welcome.

Gone Fishing

Friday Jul 24th, 2009 12:00pm -1:00pmAges: Kids – (515) 232-2516

McFarland Park, Story County Conservation Center
56461 180th St.
Ames, IA 50010

Naturalist’s Lunch Box Programs at Conservation Center.This program is free and appropriate for children of all ages.