The U.S. Forest Service, in partnership with various state and local partners, is sponsoring free fishing derbies in June. The following list of events will help you find the closest location or discover a new area of the Ouachita and Ozark-St. Francis National Forests!
Ouachita National Forest
Caddo-Womble Ranger District
Reel in some fun at the Caddo-Womble Ranger District’s upcoming fishing derby! This free event on June 8th at Womble Pond in Mt. Ida, Arkansas is perfect for youngsters aged 12 and under. Registration opens at 8:00 am, followed by the fishing competition starting at 8:30 am and concluding by 11:00 am. Restrooms will be available on-site (port-a-potty). The event is made possible with the support of partnering organizations including Arkansas Game and Fish, Magic Bait, Trader Bills, True Value of Mount Ida, Chris Elder Auto, Bass Boys Tackle, Big T’s Country Store, and Sutherland’s. Remember, all hooks must be out of the water by 11:00 am, and participants can look forward to receiving participation awards and contest prizes. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to spend a day outdoors and foster a love for fishing! For more information or to register, contact David Probasco at (870) 867-2101.
- Date/Time – June 8, 2024, 8:00 am – 11:00 am
- Location – Womble Pond, Mount Ida
Jessieville-Winona-Fourche Ranger District
Calling all young fishermen and fisherwomen 14 and under! Mark your calendars for the Jessieville-Winona-Fourche Ranger District Fishing Derby on June 8th at the Jessieville Work Center Pond. Registration starts at 7:30 am, followed by lines cast into the water at 8:00 am sharp. The competition wraps up at 10:30 am, with time for awarding participation prizes and crowning the contest winners. Restrooms will be available on-site (port-a-potty). This free event is made possible by the Jessieville-Winona-Fourche Ranger District in partnership with Arkansas Game and Fish and Magic Bait. Don’t miss this chance to spend a morning outdoors and maybe even reel in a trophy! For more information or to register, contact Rhonda Huston at (501) 984-5313.
- Date/Time – June 8, 2024, 7:30 am – 10:30 am
- Location – Jessieville Work Center Pond, Jessieville
Mena-Oden Ranger District
Gear up for some fishing fun! The Mena-Oden Ranger District, partnering with the Oden Woods & Water Club, is hosting a free fishing derby on June 8th at the Oden Rifle Range Pond in Oden, Arkansas. This event is open to all youngsters between the ages of 2 and 15, offering a chance to reel in a big one and win prizes. Registration starts bright and early at 7:00 am, followed by the fishing competition kicking off at 8:00 am and wrapping up by 10:30 am. Restrooms will be available on-site (port-a-potty). Don’t miss this opportunity to spend quality time outdoors with your family. For more information or to register, contact Justin Mitchell at (870) 285-1147.
- Date/Time – June 8, 2024, 7:00 am – 10:30 am
- Location – Oden Rifle Range Pond, Oden
Ozark-St. Francis National Forests
Mt. Magazine Ranger District
Calling all young anglers ages 4-9! The Mt. Magazine Ranger District is hosting a fishing derby on June 8th at Cove Lake in Paris, Arkansas. Partnering with the Paris Rotary Club, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC), and the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), this event promises a fun morning of fishing and prizes. Registration starts at 7:30 am, followed by lines cast into the water at 8:30 am. The competition wraps up by 10:00 am, with all participants receiving awards and a chance to win contest prizes. Restrooms are available on-site for your convenience. For more information or to register, contact Jeremy Everitts or Carla Pfeiffer at (479) 963-3076. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to spend time outdoors and celebrate our local fishing heritage!
- Date/Time – June 8, 2024, 7:30 am – 10:00 am
- Location – Cove Lake, Paris
Pleasant Hill Ranger District
Mark your calendars, young anglers! The Pleasant Hill Ranger District, in partnership with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and the Kiwanis Club, is hosting a free fishing derby on June 1st at Gillian Pond, located 14.5 miles northeast of Clarksville, Arkansas. This event is open to children 12 and under, providing a fun opportunity to learn fishing skills and compete for prizes. Registration begins at 8:00 am, followed by the casting of lines at 9:00 am. The competition wraps up at 11:00 am, with all hooks required to be out of the water at that time. While restroom facilities won’t be available on-site, participation awards and contest prizes will be presented to celebrate the young fishermen and fisherwomen. For more information or to register, contact Ben Neumeier at (479) 462-3617. Don’t miss out on this exciting event!
- Date/Time – June 1, 2024, 8:00 am – 11:00 am
- Location – Gillian Pond, near Clarksville
St. Francis National Forest
Young anglers rejoice! The St. Francis National Forest is partnering with Arkansas Game and Fish, Arkansas State Parks, Lee County Conservation District, and the Marianna Chamber of Commerce to host a fun-filled fishing derby on June 8th. Held at Ranger Pond in Mississippi River State Park, Lee County, Arkansas, this free event is perfect for children 12 and under. Registration kicks off bright and early at 7:00 am, followed by the fishing competition starting at 8:00 am and wrapping up by 10:00 am. Restrooms will be available on-site for participants’ convenience. To register or inquire about further details, contact Mississippi River State Park at (870) 295-4040. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to spend a day outdoors and maybe even reel in a trophy catch!
- Date/Time – June 8, 2024, 7:00 am – 10:00 am
- Location – Ranger Pond, Mississippi River State Park
