Children's Fishing Derby Returns to Watford City

Annual event provides free fishing fun for kids 13 and under

Mar. 25, 2026 at 12:00am

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The 22nd Annual Children's Fishing Derby is set for June 6 at Kent Pelton Pond in Watford City, North Dakota. The free event, organized by Watford City Parks & Recreation, the National Wild Turkey Federation, and the U.S. Forest Service, offers kids 13 and under the chance to fish, win prizes, and enjoy a complimentary hot dog lunch.

Why it matters

The Children's Fishing Derby is a long-standing community event that aims to get local kids active outdoors and introduce them to the lifelong hobby of fishing. It's a collaborative effort between the city, federal agencies, and local businesses to provide a fun, educational experience for families.

The details

The derby will have two sessions, 9-10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., with a 90-kid limit per session. Each child will receive a fishing pole, and there will be door prizes and a complimentary hot dog lunch. Volunteers, including from the U.S. Forest Service, will be on hand to assist the young anglers. The pond was previously a lagoon and has been stocked with adult catfish, rainbow trout, and bluegill by the North Dakota Game & Fish Department.

  • The 22nd Annual Children's Fishing Derby will take place on Saturday, June 6, 2026.
  • The event will have two sessions: 9-10:30 a.m. CT and 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. CT.

The players

Watford City Parks & Recreation

The local parks department that organizes the annual Children's Fishing Derby.

National Wild Turkey Federation

A conservation organization that provides support and resources for the fishing derby.

U.S. Forest Service Department of Agriculture

A federal agency that assists with planning and staffing the event with volunteers.

North Dakota Game & Fish Department

The state wildlife agency that stocks the pond with fish for the derby.

Josh Nollmeyer

The assistant director of the Rough Rider Center, who helps coordinate the fishing derby.

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What they’re saying

“This event doesn't happen without their support and help, especially the Forest Service – they provide a lot of manpower on the day of the event in the form of workers. Very grateful to these entities for their support in the planning and execution of the event.”

— Josh Nollmeyer, Rough Rider Center assistant director

“Game & Fish provided the guidance, fishing dock and grant money and is still involved with some equipment and stocking the fish. They usually stock around 100 adult catfish from when they net for the walleye spawn, anywhere from 300-500 rainbow trout and sometimes blue gill.”

— Robin Arndt, Watford City Park District park superintendent

“Introducing them to a lifelong activity like fishing not only promotes healthy habits, but it also creates opportunities for lasting memories with family and friends. It's about building a connection to the outdoors and fostering an appreciation that can stay with them for the rest of their lives.”

— Josh Nollmeyer, Rough Rider Center assistant director

What’s next

Registration for the 22nd Annual Children's Fishing Derby is now open at watfordcityparks.com or by calling 701-842-3665.

The takeaway

The Children's Fishing Derby in Watford City is a long-running community event that provides a fun, free opportunity for local kids to learn about fishing and connect with the outdoors. Through the collaborative efforts of the city, federal agencies, and local businesses, the derby has become an annual tradition that promotes healthy activities and lasting memories for families.