Families looking for an opportunity to introduce young anglers to fishing will have two free events to choose from this September in the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests.
The U.S. Forest Service has announced youth fishing derbies at Deer Pond near Deer and Mirror Lake at Blanchard Springs Recreation Area. Both events are being held in partnership with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and other organizations.
The fishing derbies are designed to give children an opportunity to spend time outdoors, learn about fishing and enjoy some friendly competition on public lands.
Deer Pond Fishing Derby, September 5
The first derby will take place Saturday, September 5, at Deer Pond in Deer, Arkansas, within the Big Piney Ranger District.
Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., with fishing starting at 9 a.m. The derby concludes at 11 a.m., when all hooks must be out of the water.
The event is open to children ages 15 and younger. Participation awards and contest prizes will be presented following the fishing.
Restrooms will be available at the event.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is partnering with the Forest Service for the derby.
For additional information, contact the Big Piney District Office at 479-284-3150.
Deer Pond Fishing Derby Details
Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026
Location: Deer Pond, Deer, Arkansas
Registration: 8:30 a.m.
Fishing: 9 to 11 a.m.
Ages: 15 and younger
Cost: Free
Mirror Lake Fishing Derby, September 12
A second youth fishing derby is scheduled for Saturday, September 12, at Mirror Lake in the Blanchard Springs Recreation Area.
Registration begins earlier for this event, at 7 a.m., followed by fishing from 8 to 10 a.m. All hooks must be out of the water at 10 a.m.
The Mirror Lake derby is open to children ages 4 through 12.
Following the competition, participation awards and contest prizes will be presented at 11 a.m. at the large pavilion in the Blanchard Springs day-use area.
The Forest Service is partnering with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Arkansas State Parks and Riders United 4 Children for the event.
Restrooms will be available.
For additional information, contact Idun Guenther at 870-269-3228.
Mirror Lake Fishing Derby Details
Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Location: Mirror Lake, Blanchard Springs Recreation Area
Registration: 7 a.m.
Fishing: 8 to 10 a.m.
Ages: 4 to 12
Cost: Free
Awards: 11 a.m. at the large pavilion in the day-use area
A Chance to Introduce Kids to Fishing
The September fishing derbies offer families two opportunities to combine fishing with a visit to the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests.
The events also introduce young anglers to two distinctly different areas of the national forests. Deer Pond is located in the Big Piney Ranger District, while Mirror Lake sits within the popular Blanchard Springs Recreation Area in the Sylamore Ranger District.
The Forest Service manages recreation opportunities throughout the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests, including fishing, hiking, camping, mountain biking, paddling and other outdoor activities.
Both September fishing derbies are free to participate in. Families planning to attend should note the different age requirements and registration times for each event.
This article was originally published on ArkansasOutside.com, your trusted source for outdoor news and updates in The Natural State. Unless otherwise credited, all photos included in this piece are the property of Arkansas Outside, LLC. We take pride in sharing the beauty and adventures of Arkansas through our lens, thank you for supporting our work!
