North Kentucky News

COVINGTON, Ky. – The City of Covington’s Parks & Recreation Department will host its annual Fishing Derby for local youth this Saturday, May 25, at Prisoners Lake in Devou Park. The event is open to children aged 5 to 17 and aims to foster excitement and engagement through fishing.

“The Fishing Derby is one of our oldest and most popular events – and for good reason. Kids love catching fish, and parents love watching their kids catch fish,” said Alicia Chappell, Recreational Program Coordinator for Parks & Rec. “It’s especially fun to see kids whose parents and grandparents attended this event when they were little.”

The derby will proceed rain or shine from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with registration beginning at 10:30 a.m. Participants can also register online in advance. Prisoners Lake is located at the corner of Prisoners Lake Drive and Wayne Road in Devou Park, with parking available nearby.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own fishing poles and tackle; however, equipment can be borrowed from Parks & Rec while supplies last. A parent or guardian must present an ID for participation. Bait will be provided, including red worms and night crawlers, though artificial bait is also permitted.

Complimentary hot dogs and drinks will be available during the event. Prizes will be awarded in several categories: longest fish, shortest fish, heaviest fish, and most fish caught.

The lake is regularly stocked with catfish and rainbow trout by the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife and contains various species of sunfish.

Volunteers from Northern Kentucky Fly Fishers Inc. will assist Parks & Rec staff throughout the event.