Kids Fishing Derbies
2026 Schedule
El Dorado County Fish & Wildlife is proud to support youth fishing derbies throughout the county each year. These free, family-friendly events are a great way to get kids outdoors, connect with nature, and learn about fishing and conservation.
Upcoming Events
Georgetown Kids Fishing Derby at Lake Walton
Saturday, June 6, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM -- 1:00 PM
Location: Lake Walton, approximately 4.5 miles east of Georgetown on Balderston Road, off Wentworth Springs Road. Look for signs directing participants to the event site. Parking is limited -- carpooling encouraged.
Host: Georgetown Divide Public Utility District
Co-Sponsors: El Dorado County Fish and Wildlife Commission, CA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife, U.S. Forest Service (Georgetown Ranger District), Rotary Club of Georgetown Divide, California Conservation Corps, Eldorado National Forest Interpretive Association
Ages: Children 16 and under; must be accompanied by a parent or guardian
Cost: FREE
Details: Prizes awarded for Casting Contest, Longest Fish, Shortest Fish, Strangest Fish, and First Fish. Hot dogs and cold drinks provided by Georgetown Divide Rotary. Arts and crafts and raffle prizes also available.
More Info: gd-pud.org/2025-fishing-derby (check for 2026 update)
Contact: Georgetown Ranger District -- (530) 333-4312
Sawmill Pond Fishing Derby
Saturday, June 6, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM -- 12:00 PM
Location: Sawmill Pond, South Lake Tahoe
Host: South Lake Tahoe Optimist Club
Ages: Children 14 and under
Details: Annual derby hosted by the Optimist Club. Fishing tackle and bait available. Expert guidance provided on-site.
Flier/More Info: southlaketahoeoptimist.com/fishing-derby-2024
Youth Fishing Derby at Village Green Park (Serrano)
Saturday, June 6, 2026 Time:
- Derby 1: 8:00 AM -- 9:30 AM (Check-in: 7:15 -- 8:00 AM)
- Derby 2: 10:15 AM -- 11:45 AM (Check-in: 9:30 -- 10:15 AM)
Location: Village Green Park, 4655 Serrano Parkway, El Dorado Hills
Host: El Dorado Hills Community Services District
Co-Sponsors: El Dorado County Fish and Wildlife Commission, Serrano Homeowners Association; sponsored by Nick Bertetta, State Farm Agent
Ages: Children 3 -- 15
Cost: FREE -- Pre-registration required
Details: Kids compete to catch the longest fish, learn about fishing and the outdoors, and win raffle prizes. No fishing license needed. Bring your own equipment and bait/lures of choice.
Register / More Info: eldoradohillscsd.org/programs___activities/special_events
Lake Baron Kids Fishing Derby
Saturday, September 19, 2026
Time: TBD
Location: Lake Baron, Tahoe Paradise Park, 1011 East San Bernardino Avenue, Meyers, CA
Host: South Lake Tahoe Moose Lodge #1632
Co-Sponsors: El Dorado County Fish and Wildlife Commission, El Dorado Savings Bank, Tahoe Paradise Park, Tahoe Fly Fishing Outfitters, and other local sponsors
Ages: Children 16 and under
Details: Lake stocked with hundreds of pounds of rainbow trout. Free hot dogs, chips, and sodas for registered children. Savings certificates awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place (largest fish). Raffle prizes for all registered participants. Fishing poles, tackle, and bait available -- or bring your own.
Past Events
Lumsden Park Spring Fishing Derby -- April 11, 2026 RECAP
What a day at Lumsden Rotary Park! Despite the rain, over 100 kids showed up ready to fish at the 2026 Annual Spring Fishing Derby -- and they did not disappoint.
Held at Lumsden Park (3144 Willoe Road, Placerville, CA 95667) from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, this year's derby welcomed young anglers from Preschool through 8th Grade for a morning packed with competition, laughter, and plenty of fish. Participants brought their own gear and were treated to a stocked pond, prizes, hot dogs, and chips -- all made possible through incredible community support.
El Dorado Hills Fishing Derby
Lumsden Park Fishing Derby & Casting Contest
Below are photos from the 2026 Lumsden Park fishing derby. Photos were provided by Monique Plubell from the City of Placerville Community Services Department.
