Lake Orion Youth Fishing Derby

The Lake Orion Lake Association is excited to announce the upcoming Youth Fishing Derby which will take place June 7, 2025, on Lake Orion during Michigan’s free fishing weekend. This weekend allows everyone to fish without the need for a fishing license or Recreation Passport, making it the perfect occasion for young aspiring anglers to test their skills.

The Lake Orion Lake Association is proud to sponsor this event, demonstrating their commitment to promoting outdoor activities and environmental stewardship within the community.

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Posted 6/3/25
from Jim Barry, Event Coordinator

The LOLA Fishing Derby on June 7th is this Saturday and the weather forecast looks great! We are excited to meet all of you who have registered to participate. It should be a great day.

Where?
Green’s Park will be the designated location for the start and completion of the Derby. Green’s Park will be utilized for handing out participant goody bags, training sessions, prizes and awards, and lunch for participants. Green’s Park will also provide a fishing spot for those who do not have access to a boat.

There is limited parking at Green’s Park and the adjacent parking lot owned by Moceri Corporation.

Timetable for Event

  • 8:00am Meet at Green’s Park by boat or land to kick-off event and receive Goody Bag
  • 8:30 Fishing will officially begin. No fishing prior to this kick-off
  • 8:30 – 9:30 Training sessions for those signed up per participant registration.
  • 11:30 All fishing to end. No Bass entries accepted after this time.
  • 11:30 to 12:00 All Bluegill entries to be measured by Derby Officials at Green’s Park
  • 12:00 to 1:00 Lunch and prizes awarded.

Event Kick-Off at Green’s Park
I will be officially kicking off the Fishing Derby from the Green’s Park beach area for both participants on land and boats (utilizing a megaphone so hopefully everyone can hear).

Goodie Bags
There will be a table adjacent to the beach area where registered participants can pick up their goodie bag anytime during the event. We will attempt to pass out goodie bags to boats using available docks at the park.

Fishing Derby Rules
1) All fishing will be required to take place on Lake Orion during the designated time for the Derby. Fishing will be allowed from your boat, dock, or shoreline.
2) Fishing will commence no earlier than 8:30am and will finish no later than 11:30am.
3) No trolling will be allowed.
4) A parent or guardian must supervise the activity.
5) Again, you must have pre-registered and have submitted a “Liability Waiver Form.”
6) We want this to be a catch and release tournament. Further directions to be provided in a separate email detailing how and where the bass will be weighed and bluegill measured.

Hook, Line and Sinker Fishing Class
In addition to the tournament, a Hook, Line and Sinker fishing class will be starting at 8:30 am at Greens Park. You should already have pre-registered for these classes. A table will be set up to check in for these classes.

The classes will include the following topics:

  • Knot Tying: Learning how to tie essential fishing knots for securing hooks and lures.
  • Casting: Techniques for casting a spin-cast pole and reel accurately and safely.
  • Bait Selection: Understanding different types of bait and how to choose the best one for different fish species.
  • Removing Hooks: Proper methods for safely removing hooks from caught fish.
  • Fishing Regulations: An overview of the Michigan fishing and boating regulations.

Equipment and Supplies
Participants should utilize their own fishing gear. Fishing participants can use any type of artificial lure or live bait. For bluegill anglers, we will be providing a bobber, bluegill hooks, and wax worms for each participant as needed.
A limited number of loaner poles and reels will be available.

Lunch for Participants
We will be having lunch starting at noon for those registered participants and their parent or guardian (2 tickets per participant).  This will include hot dog, chips, water, and a snack.

Prizes and Recognition
The prizes and recognition medals will be presented at the awards ceremony adjacent to the lunch table starting at approximately noon. Prizes will be awarded as follows:

  • Ages 5-10 will participate in the Bluegill Division – 1st, 2nd, 3rd place prizes based on bluegill fish length. The bluegill will be measured by Derby Officials at Green’s Park.
  • Ages 11-15 will participate in the Bass Division – 1st, 2nd, 3rd place prizes based on smallmouth or largemouth weight. Derby Officials will be out on the lake to weigh catches so that the fish can be released as quickly as possible.
  • Every participant will receive a medal in recognition of their participation in the Derby.

Final LOLA Comments
We all look forward to seeing you there! Our main objectives for all participants is to have FUN and be SAFE.

If you have any questions or cancelations, please use the contact form.

Thanks for participating!

Posted 3/30/25

Where and When?
All fishing will be required to take place on Lake Orion during the designated time for the Derby.

  • 8:00am – Meet at Green’s Park by boat or land to kick-off event and receive Goody Bag
  • 8:30 – Fishing to begin
  • 11:30 – All fishing to end
  • 11:30 to 12:00 – Bluegill entries to be measured by Derby Officials
  • 12:00 to 1:00 – Lunch and prizes awarded

Green’s Park will be the designated location for the start and completion of the Derby. Green’s Park will be utilized for any registration changes, handing out of participant goody bags, training sessions, prizes and awards, and lunch for participants.

Who can participate?
This tournament is designed for children aged 5-15. Fishing will be allowed from your boat, dock, or shoreline. No trolling will be allowed. A parent or guardian must supervise the activity. Participation is free for all residents of Lake Orion Township and Village, encouraging community involvement and fostering a love for fishing among the younger generation.

Participant Registration
Registration is required to be completed by May 30, 2025. The event will be limited to the first 30 registered participants.
» CLICK HERE to Register Registration is now CLOSED for this event.

Participant Liability Waiver Form
All participants must complete and submit a signed Liability Waiver Form the day of the event.
» CLICK HERE for the Liability Waiver Form (PDF)

Hook, Line and Sinker Fishing Class
In addition to the tournament, a Hook, Line and Sinker fishing class will be offered. This will be held at Green’s park. Please indicate on the registration form if you plan on attending. The class will include the following topics:

  • Knot Tying: Learning how to tie essential fishing knots for securing hooks and lures.
  • Casting: Techniques for casting a spin-cast pole and reel accurately and safely.
  • Bait Selection: Understanding different types of bait and how to choose the best one for different fish species.
  • Removing Hooks: Proper methods for safely removing hooks from caught fish.
  • Fishing Regulations: An overview of the Michigan fishing and boating regulations.

Volunteers and Staffing
Volunteers will be essential for managing various aspects of the tournament, from registration and supervision to aiding during the fishing class. Community members, local fishing enthusiasts, and association members are encouraged to volunteer their time and expertise.
» CLICK HERE to Volunteer

Equipment and Supplies
Participants should utilize their own fishing gear. Fishing participants can use any type of artificial lure or live bait. We will be providing a bobber, bluegill hooks, and wax worms for each participant. A limited number of loaner pole and reels will be available.

Prizes and Recognition
To add an element of excitement and reward participants for their efforts, prizes will be awarded as follows:

  • Age 5-10 will participate in the Bluegill Division – 1st, 2nd, 3rd place prizes based on bluegill fish length.
  • Age 11-15 will participate in the Bass Division – 1st, 2nd, 3rd place prizes based on smallmouth or largemouth weight. Every participant will receive a medal in recognition of their participation in the Derby.

Final LOLA Comments
The Lake Orion Youth Fishing Derby promises to be a memorable and enriching experience for young anglers and their families. By providing an opportunity to gain experience and practice fishing skills, fostering environmental awareness, and promoting community engagement, this event will contribute to the well-being and cohesion of the Lake Orion community. We look forward to seeing you there!