The Waukegan Park District is hosting the 34th Annual Fishing Derby on Saturday, June 7, 2025 from 8am to 10am at Bevier Park, located at 2255 W. York House Road. Participants will have the chance to win prizes in a friendly competition for the smallest and largest fish caught overall and in their age group. Competitions will be held for the following age groups: 4 years or younger, 5 to 8 years, 9 to 12 years, 13 to 16 years, and 17 years or older. Prizes will be awarded to the top three individuals in each age group.

The Waukegan Park District hosted the first Fishing Derby in 1990 at Roosevelt Park, located at 520 S. McAlister Avenue. The annual event has been held at Bevier Park since 1995. This year, the Bevier Pond will be stocked with over 700 pounds of fish for the 34th Annual Fishing Derby.

On-site check-in will begin at 7am. Preregistration is required and only one pole or rod per participant is allowed. The cost to compete is $3 per participant twelve years or younger/$5 per participant thirteen years or older (residents) and $5 per participant twelve years or younger/$7 per participant thirteen years or older (nonresidents). Participants can register online or at the Field House Sports, Fitness & Aquatics Center, located at 800 Baldwin Avenue in Hinkston Park. Worms will be sold on-site.

For more information, contact Jonathan Cochrane at (847) 360-4708 or jcochrane@waukeganparks.org.