Fishing

Kick back, cast a line, and enjoy nature while fishing - from our designated spots on shore, from your boat out in the water, or from a pier at a variety of our lakes and ponds.

Fishing licenses are required for ages 16 and older and all ODNR regulations apply.  Bait is available for purchase at the Sippo Lake and Walborn Reservoir marinas.

Ice Access:
Ice is never considered safe to walk on. Ice skating, ice fishing, and walking on ice for any reason is strictly at your own risk.

Two boys fishing at Cook's Lagoon Bridge

2024 Kids Fishing Derby Circuit

Kids Fishing Derby with fishing bobbers in between words

Kids (Ages 4-15) can join the 2024 fishing derby circuit and participate in free fishing derbies from April to August.  Sponsored by Stark County Federation of Conservation Clubs, Berkley Fishing Team, and Stark Parks.  Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. with fishing from 8 to 11 a.m.  Prizes and trophies are awarded at each derby for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in various age groups.

Attendance at each derby will earn one entry into a drawing to win a grand prize from the Berkley Fishing Team. Drawing held in August after the final derby.  One free fishing pole will be given to each child participating in a derby throughout the circuit by the Stark County Federation of Conservation Clubs while supplies last.

A snack basket raffle will occur at each of the kid's derbies open to registered participants only.

Jack Cullen Towpath Trail Trout Derby
Sat., April 27, 8 a.m.
St. Helena Heritage Park, Canal Fulton

Richard Fry Memorial Catfish Derby
Sat., May 11, 8 a.m.
Petros Lake Park

"Pep" Tamargo Memorial Derby
Sat., June 1, 8 a.m.
Sippo Lake Park-Marina
**Pre-registration required.  Lunch, trophies, and prizes provided by the Berkley Fishing Team.

Cook's Lagoon Derby (Ages 4 to 15 and Seniors)
Sat., June 8, 8 a.m.
Cook's Lagoon

Sandy & Beaver Canal Derby
Sat., Aug. 10, 8 a.m.
Magnolia Mill Pond

Kid's Derby rules include the following: No fishing before 8 a.m., One pole with one hook per participant, Shoreline fishing only, No artificial lures; Live bait only, Register your fish with the Berkley Fishing Team as they are caught, Only ages 4 to 15 can participate, All state regulations apply.

Bass Boat Tournament and Catfish with Cops

One bass boat and two shoreline fishing derbies will be presented through Stark Parks Public Safety Dept. (Rangers).

Ranger Bass Tournament
June 15, 2024, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Walborn Marina

Enjoy time on the water at Walborn Reservoir at this Ranger bass boat tournament. Individual or partnered, five (5) bass limit: largemouth or smallmouth. Registration will be day of event only at $60/boat (cash only). Registration begins at 6 a.m. with fishing from 7 a.m. until the weigh in at 3 p.m. Cash prizes to follow. All state and local laws apply.

Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Ranger Explorer Program. Participation will help the next generation of law enforcement leaders gain the skills, tools, and knowledge to be successful in the field of law enforcement

Catfish with Cops Event
July 27, 5 to 11 p.m. at Walborn Marina
Aug. 24, 5 to 11 p.m. at Sippo Lake Marina
This event promotes positive interactions between law enforcement and citizens while enjoying the sport of fishing. The event will be a catfish contest only with shoreline and dock fishing.  $5 (cash only) per person will go toward the Ranger Explorer Program. Registration and fishing begin at 5 p.m.  All catfish must be checked in by 11 p.m. to be counted. Prizes will be awarded directly after.

More Fishing Derbies

Night Fishing Derby
July 19, 5 to 10 p.m. at Sippo Lake Marina
Open to all ages.  $5 entry fee with cash prizes awarded.  Must be present at 10 p.m. to claim.  Registration begins at 5 p.m. on site with fishing at 6 p.m.

Bob Meister Special Needs Derby
Sept. 14, 9 a.m. to Noon at Sippo Lake Marina
Exclusively for individuals with special needs.  Walkways and parking lots are accessible along with the fishing pier and shoreline of the lake. Following the derby, prizes will be awarded, and a lunch will be provided. Advance registration is required.  Sponsored by Stark Parks and the Berkley Fishing Team.