- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Salem Today
By the People, for the People
Cast a Line at the Ernest 'Pig' Robertson Fishing Rodeo This April
The popular annual event returns to Lake Spring Park for its 74th year.
Apr. 2, 2026 at 1:06pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
The Ernest 'Pig' Robertson Fishing Rodeo, a beloved annual event in Salem, Virginia, is set to return to Lake Spring Park for its 74th year. The four-day event offers fishing opportunities for kids, seniors, and individuals with special needs, with prizes awarded to the top anglers each Saturday.
Why it matters
The fishing rodeo has been a cherished tradition in the Salem community for decades, providing an opportunity for families, seniors, and those with special needs to enjoy the outdoors and bond over a shared love of fishing. The event's longevity and continued popularity highlight the importance of community-driven recreational activities that bring people together.
The details
The fishing rodeo will take place from April 25 to May 2, with dedicated sessions for different age groups and special needs individuals. Children ages 3-8 can participate on April 25, while those ages 9-12 can fish on May 2. Special days are also set aside for children with special needs (April 27) and nursing home residents (April 29). Participants are required to bring their own fishing gear, and adults are not allowed to fish for their children during the Saturday events. Prizes will be awarded to the top anglers each Saturday, and the food truck 'The Tailgate' will be on-site.
- The fishing rodeo will take place from April 25 to May 2, 2026.
- Children ages 3-8 can participate on Saturday, April 25 from 9 a.m. to noon.
- Special needs children can participate on Monday, April 27 from 10 a.m. to noon.
- Nursing home residents can participate on Wednesday, April 29 from 10 a.m. to noon.
- Children ages 9-12 can participate on Saturday, May 2 from 9 to 11 a.m.
The players
Ernest 'Pig' Robertson
The namesake of the fishing rodeo, which has been a beloved annual event in Salem, Virginia for 74 years.
Salem Parks and Recreation Department
The organizers of the Ernest 'Pig' Robertson Fishing Rodeo, which takes place at Lake Spring Park in Salem.
What’s next
The Salem Parks and Recreation Department encourages participants to call 540-375-3057 for more information about the fishing rodeo.
The takeaway
The Ernest 'Pig' Robertson Fishing Rodeo has been a cherished tradition in the Salem community for decades, providing an opportunity for families, seniors, and those with special needs to enjoy the outdoors and bond over a shared love of fishing. The event's continued popularity highlights the importance of community-driven recreational activities that bring people together.
