Fishing Derby 2023 takes place on Saturday, May 4, 2024

The fishing derby is back in 2024.

The 38th Annual Trout Fishing Derby takes place on Saturday, May 4, 2024 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. noon.

The derby took place at Morrison Reservoir (Morrison Lake) at Morrison Dam Conservation Area.

The family-friendly fishing derby is sponsored by Exeter Lions Club and Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation.

The registration fee is $4 for ages 17 and over.

The registration fee is $2 for ages 16 and under.

The Exeter Lions Club says " ... we are excited to keep our partnership with the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation rolling with our upcoming Trout Fishing Derby at the Morrison Dam Reservoir on Saturday, May 4, 2024 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. noon."

Every child receives a prize.

Food and beverages are available for purchase.

As per provincial legislation, any person accessing these waters must be equippped with personal flotation devices.

Dave Frayne, Chair of Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation, said “the Conservation Foundation has been a proud partner in the fishing derby for many years and it has been a wonderful way for young people to be active outdoors and to enjoy nature.”

The annual event is ideal for young anglers and is made possible thanks to sponsorship by many local businesses (many of which generously sponsor year after year) who donate prizes and money to purchase prizes for the participants.

The longevity of this event has been possible because of a partnership between the Exeter Lions Club and the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation. Each year, the two organizations purchase Rainbow Trout and stock the Morrison Dam Reservoir for the derby.

Participants are also reminded that most Canadian residents need a Fishing Version Outdoors Card and licence to fish in Ontario if they are between the ages of 18 and 64 years old.

For more information visit: https://www.ontario.ca/document/ontario-fishing-regulations-summary