35 Fishing Derbies and Where to Go Fishing Plus Must-Have Gear

Over the past few summers, our family has enjoyed more time outdoors in nature than ever before. Fishing is a simple, relaxing activity that has taken over all of our hearts. We take turns preparing hooks and casting our lines, hoping to catch even just a couple fish. Encouraging each other, practicing patience, and the collective excitement with every bite makes these outings some of my daughters’ favorite summertime memories.

The keys to a successful fishing adventure are being prepared and being patient. We’ve found local organizations hosting fishing derbies for both beginners and experts. You’ll also find ideas of where to go and what to bring when you take your kids fishing, as well as other helpful tips to make sure it’s an outing your family won’t forget.

2025 Fishing Derbies and Classes

Fishing Derby (Riverside)
May 17, 2025 | 9:30am – 11:30am
Catch and release event. Prizes are awarded.

First Time Fishing (Bolingbrook)
May 23, 2025 | 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Give fishing a try with the Forest Preserve District of Will County.

Fishing: All Beginners (Wood Dale)
June 1, 2025 | 10:00am – 11:30am
Learn the basics of fishing at this all-ages class.

Annual Fishing Derby (Palatine)
June 7, 2025 | 8:00am – 11:00am
Fishing derby with prizes. Bait will be sold.

Family Fishing Days (Palos Heights)
June 7, July 5, August 2, and September 6, 2025 | 8:00am – 10:00am
Fish at Lake Katherine. No prizes will be awarded.

Fishing Derby (Lombard)
June 7, 2025 | 9:00am – 11:00am
Register in advance to win prizes at this fishing derby.

Family Fishing Derby (Villa Park)
June 7, 2025 | 9:00am – 12:00pm
Join the free fishing derby at North Terrace Park.

IKES Fish for Fun (Elgin)
June 7, 2025 | 9:00am – 11:30am
Fish for prizes.

Free Fishing Days for Father’s Day Weekend (Bolingbrook)
June 13 – 15, 2025 | 10:00am – 4:00pm
Enjoy no permit fees for fishing over Father’s Day weekend.

Cops and Bobbers Fishing Derby (Romeoville)
June 14, 2025 | 7:30am – 12:00pm
Register in advance for a spot to fish at Wesglen Park.

Family Fishing Derby (West Chicago)
June 14, 2025 | 8:00am – 12:00pm
Register in advance for discounted participation fees.

Jubilee Fishing Derby (Woodridge)
June 14, 2025 | 8:00am – 11:00am
Join the fishing fun at Lake Harriet. Prizes are awarded.

Fish-O-Rama (Wheaton)
June 14, 2025 | 8:00am – 10:00am
Registration is required for this free fishing derby with the Wheaton Park District and Kiwanis Club of Wheaton.

Take Me Fishing (Westmont)
June 14, 2025 | 9:00am – 12:00pm
Cast your reel at this family-friendly fishing event.

Busse Lake Outdoors Day and Fishing Derby (Elk Grove Village)
June 14, 2025 | 9:00am – 12:00pm
Register in advance for outdoor adventures including a fishing derby.

Fishing Derby (Willowbrook)
June 14, 2025 | 9:00am – 11:00am
Compete for prizes at this family-friendly fishing derby.

Community Fishing Derby (Hoffman Estates)
June 14, 2025 | 9:00am – 1:00pm
Join the free fishing derby at South Ridge Lake.

Family Fishing Derby (Burr Ridge)
June 14, 2025 | 9:30am – 11:00am
Prizes will be awarded at this family-friendly derby.

Fishing Derby (Riverside)
June 14, 2025 | 9:30am – 11:30am
Enjoy a kid’s fishing derby at Swan Pond.

Father’s Day Fishing Derby (Glen Ellyn)
June 15, 2025 | 9:00am – 11:30am
Celebrate Father’s Day with a fishing derby. Register in advance for discounted admission.

Fishing: With Dad (Wayne)
June 15, 2025 | 11:00am – 12:30pm
Start your Father’s Day morning fishing with dad.

Father’s Day Fishing Derby (Aurora)
June 15, 2025 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Included in general admission at Blackberry Farm.

Fishing Derby (Chesterfield Park, Oswego)
June 21, 2025 | 8:00am – 10:00am
Prizes are awarded, and all the supplies are provided.

Family Fishing Day (Elk Grove Village)
June 21, 2025 | 9:00am – 12:00pm
Advance registration is preferred.

Fish with the Cops (Itasca)
June 22, 2025 | 9:00am – 12:00pm
Visit and fish with members of the police department at this annual event.

Family Fishing Clinics (Schaumburg)
June 25, 2025 | 5:30pm – 8:00pm
Come to one or both of these free fishing clinics.

Kids Fishing Derby  (Bolingbrook)
June 28, 2025 | 7:00am – 11:30am
Registration is required.

Youth Fishing Tourney (Woodridge)
July 19, and August 9, 2025 | 10:00am – 12:00pm
Visit Lake Harriet for fishing and prizes.

Family Fishing Clinics (Schaumburg)
July 23, 2025 | 5:30pm – 8:00pm
Come to one or both of these free fishing clinics.

Fishing Derby (Patriot Park, Downers Grove)
August 2, 2025 | 8:00am – 11:00am
Register in advance to reel in a big one at the Fishing Derby. Prizes will be awarded.

Fishing Derby (Streamwood)
September 6, 2025 | 8:30am – 10:30am
Tackleboxes can be purchased, with limited bait also available.

Fishing Derby (Lake View Park, Bloomingdale)
September 13, 2025 | 8:00am – 10:00am
Enjoy this annual, free fishing event.

Huck Finn Fishing Derby (Reiner Park, Buffalo Grove)
September 19, 2025 | 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Register in advance for this annual fishing derby.

Fishing Derby (Mount Prospect)
September 20, 2025 | 8:00am – 11:00am
Register in advance to ensure participation, walk-ups permitted as space allows.

Summer Send-off Fishing Derby (Hidden Oaks Trout Farm, Bolingbrook)
September 20, 2025 | 7:00am – 11:30am
Prizes are awarded at this fishing derby.

Badges and Bobbers Fishin’ Derby (Lake Ellyn Park, Glen Ellyn)
September 20, 2025 | 9:00am – 10:30am
Pre-registration is required for all participants for this derby alongside Glen Ellyn’s Police and Fire Departments.

Cops and Bobbers: Fishing Derby Event (Heritage Park, Glendale Heights)
September 27, 2025 | 9:00am – 11:30am
Join the fun at this free event with local police officers, firefighters, and paramedics.

Fishing with Dad (Oswego)
October 4, 2025 | 9:00am – 11:00am
Register in advance for a morning of fishing fun.

Fishing: Fall Trout Season Opener
October 18, 2025 | 6:00am – 6:00pm
Enjoy fall fishing with the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County.

Trout Season Celebration (Hidden Oaks Trout Farm, Bolingbrook)
October 18, 2025 | 6:00am – 8:00am
Cast your reel at this annual event.

Where to Go Fishing in the South and West Suburbs

Can’t make it to one of the derbies? The Cook County, DuPage County, and Will County forest preserve websites have awesome information on where to take kids fishing everyday and what kinds of fish are in each body of water. The links below have great maps and detailed information about each location, but be sure to check that your fishing spot is open before you go.

• Forest Preserve District of Cook County Fishing Information
• Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Fishing Information
• Forest Preserve District of Will County Fishing Information

There are also some family-friendly fishing spots that we have gone to or heard of from readers, such as:

• Hidden Lakes Historic Trout Farm (Bolingbrook)
• Lake View Park (Bloomingdale)
• Barth Pond (Downers Grove)
• Mallard Lake Forest Preserve (Hanover Park)– with Nicole’s review!
• Martin Park Pond (Hickory Hills)
• Central Park (Oak Brook)
• Mayslake (Oak Brook)
• Turner Pond (Roselle)
• Robert Bernas Park (Westmont)

If you and your family enjoy fishing at another location, please let us know by commenting at the end of this article or emailing Annie at annie@mykidlist.com!

Bait Shops and Fishing Supplies in the Suburbs

Check out these local store for buying bait and fishing gear. Ordering supplies online and having them shipped to your house is also a great option. You can even buy live bait online and have it delivered to your doorstep!

Bass Pro Shops
709 Janes Avenue
Bolingbrook, IL 60440
(630) 296-2700
Giant outdoor store with tons of fishing gear.

Lee’s Bait & Tackle
1400 Army Trail Road
Carol Stream, IL 60188
(630) 830-5337
Small local shop with a great selection.

Lee’s Global Tackle
1010 E. Higgins Road
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
(847) 593-6424
This fishing store offers online ordering with a plethora of equipment.

DuPage Fly Fishing Co.
1512 N. Naper Boulevard, Suite 136
Naperville, IL 60563
(630) 857-3468
Fishing gear, fly tying classes, and fly casting lessons. The company also leads guided kids’ fly fishing trips.

Anglers Outlet
17036 Oak Park Avenue
Tinley Park, IL 60477
(708) 331-5711
In addition to fishing supplies, you can also get insight into local spots to fish, help obtaining a fishing license, and more.

Fishing Connection
7897 W. 159th Street
Tinley Park, IL 60477
(708) 532-1476
This fishing tackle pro shop has been outfitting fishing enthusiasts since 1995.

What to Bring When Fishing with Kids

• Fishing License: You need to obtain a state fishing license for anyone 16 or older. The Illinois resident fishing license cost is $15 and can be obtained online through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
• Fishing Pole: Child-sized poles are typically inexpensive. You can find them at Target, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Bass Pro Shop, as well as many of the fishing stores listed in the bait section above.
• Hooks and Bobbers: First, check the fishing pole to see if a hook and bobber is included. The bobber is a ball tied onto the fishing line. When it goes underwater, it signals that something is attached to your line!
• Tackle Box: You’ll be able to purchase a small tackle box wherever you find a fishing pole. Just a few extra supplies are needed such as extra line, fishing hooks, bobbers, plastic worms, needle-nose pliers (to help remove the hook from the fish), a small first aid kit, and sunscreen. (Seriously, don’t forget the sunscreen.)
• Bait: “Take Me Fishing” has a great guide to fishing with live bait. Here’s a tip: if you are bringing live worms as bait, use plastic to-go cups (such as the ones used at restaurants to hold condiments).
• Hand Wipes: Handling bait and fish can leave your hands feeling icky. Make sure to bring something to clean up if you’re planning to eat or do other activities while fishing.

Tips for Taking Kids Fishing in Chicagoland

If you are fishing in a boat or near deep water, it is a good idea to have your child wear a life jacket. Make sure to wear a hat or sunglasses and have a cooler packed with water. And wear bug spray!

Check out your local library for some books on fishing. Looking through the books together will get your kids excited to fish.

Remember: fishing takes patience. Relax and enjoy the beauty of nature and your surroundings. Pack water, food and snacks to keep everyone happy.

To help fish survive after you’ve caught and released them:

• Use barbless hooks
• Use a landing net
• Keep the fish in the water until you’re ready to release them
• Wet your hands
• Hold the fish upside down while you remove the hook
• Remove the hook quickly
• Cut the line if you can’t remove the hook
• Don’t touch the gills

Comment below with your favorite fishing spots in the suburbs! And when you go fishing, be sure to share your photos on Instagram with the hashtag #sharekidlist.

Thanks so much for reading. You’ll always find tons of outdoor fun for kids here on Kidlist!