Fishing
Relax, cast a line, and immerse yourself in nature while fishing at Stark Parks. Whether you prefer fishing from one of our designated shore spots, out on the water in your boat, or from a pier at one of our picturesque lakes or ponds, there's a perfect spot waiting for you. The waters here are home to a variety of fish species, including Bass, Bluegill, Carp, Channel Catfish, Crappie, and Hybrid Striped Bass.
A fishing license is required for anglers aged 16 and older, and all Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) regulations must be followed. Please note that fishing licenses are not available for purchase at Stark Parks marinas. You can conveniently purchase your license online at ohiodnr.gov For your convenience, bait is available for purchase at the Sippo Lake and Walborn Reservoir marinas.
Fishing locations:
Cook’s Lagoon – 1819 Mahoning Rd. NE, Canton
Deer Creek Reservoir – 14514 Price St. NE, Alliance
Devonshire Park – 4679 South Blvd. NW, Canton
Fichtner Park – 12833 Market Ave. N, Hartville
Fry Family Park – (Catch and Release Only) – 2533 Farber St. SE, Magnolia
Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail – Lock 4 Trailhead – 6575 Erie Ave. NW, Canal Fulton
Petros Lake Park – 3519 Perry Dr. SW, Canton
Quail Hollow Park – 13480 Congress Lake Ave., Hartville
Sippo Lake Park & Marina – 5300 Tyner St. NW, Canton
Tam O’Shanter Park – (Catch and Release Only) – 5055 Hills & Dales Rd. NW, Canton
Walborn Reservoir & Marina – 11324 Price St. NE, Alliance
*Accessible fishing piers are available at Walborn Reservoir Marina, Deer Creek Reservoir, Sippo Lake Park Marina, Cook’s Lagoon, and Lock 4 Trailhead.
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 where ice access is permitted.
2026 Fishing Derbies for Youth
Jack Cullen Memorial Trout Derby (Ages 4 to 15)
April 25, 8 a.m.
St. Helena Heritage Park, 125 Tuscarawas St NW
Canal Fulton, Ohio 44614
Bait will be free and concessions will be available for purchase (cash only). Bring your own pole. Prizes and trophies provided by the Stark County Park District, Stark County Federation of Conservation Clubs, and the Berkley Fishing Team. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m.
Cops and Bobbers with Perry Twp. Police Dept. (Ages 3 to 15)
May 11, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Petros Lake Park, 3519 Perry Dr SW, Canton, OH 44706
Kids ages (3-15) are invited to join Perry Twp. Police Department for Cops & Bobbers! Registration begins at 4 p.m. with fishing from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and prizes to follow! Fishing poles will be available while supplies last with free bait. There will be a variety of door prizes and concessions will be available for purchase (cash only). Perry Township Police Officers and Stark Parks Rangers will be present to help! Co-sponsored by Stark Parks, Stark County Federation of Conservation Clubs, Berkley Fishing, North Industry Sportsman Club and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife.
Pep Tamargo Derby (Ages 4 to 15)
June 6, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Sippo Lake Park Marina
This event is sponsored by the Berkley Fishing Team, who will be on hand to provide instruction as well as prizes and giveaways. Bring your own pole and gear. Bait will be free, and concessions will be available at the marina. In person registration begins at 7 a.m. A pre-registration link will be available later in the spring.
Fishing Rodeo (Youth)
June 20, 8 a.m. to Noon
Cook's Lagoon, 1819 Mahoning Rd. NE, Canton, OH 44705
Stark Community Support Network's invites local youth to participate in their 2026 Annual Fishing Rodeo. This free event is open to children of all ages. Fishing will take place from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., with fishing poles, bait, hooks, and sinkers provided while supplies last. Food and refreshments will also be available to all participants. In partnership with Stark Community Support Network, Stark Parks, Berkley Fishing Club of Ohio, Stark County Fatherhood Coalition, Walking with a Purpose, and Stark County Federation Clubs.
Richard Fry Memorial Derby
Aug. 1, 2026, 8 a.m.
Magnolia Flouring Mills Pond, 261 Main St., Magnolia, OH 44643
The Richard Fry Memorial fishing derby, for children ages 4 - 15, will take place at the Magnolia Flouring Mills. Concessions are available for purchase (cash only). Bring your own pole. Prizes and trophies provided by the Stark County Park District, Stark County Federation of Conservation Clubs, and the Berkley Fishing Team. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m.
Fishing Derbies for All Ages or Specific Groups
Fishing Rodeo (Senior Citizens)
June 19, 8 a.m. to Noon
Cook's Lagoon, 1819 Mahoning Rd. NE, Canton, OH 44705
Seniors (65+) are invited to participate in Stark Community Support Network’s 2026 Annual Fishing Rodeo. Free fishing will take place from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., with fishing poles, bait, hooks, and sinkers provided while supplies last. Food and refreshments will also be available to all participants. In partnership with Stark Community Support Network, Stark Parks, Berkley Fishing Club of Ohio, Stark County Fatherhood Coalition, Walking with a Purpose, and Stark County Federation Clubs.
Night Fishing Derby
July 17, 2026, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Sippo Lake Marina, 5300 Tyner St., Canton, OH 44708
Join us for our Night Derby at Sippo Lake East for an exciting evening of fishing! Whether you're a seasoned angler or just looking for a fun night outdoors, this event is open to all ages. Registration begins at 5:00 PM, and fishing runs from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. All Ohio laws and regulations apply, with a $5 registration fee per person. The marina will be open for bait and snacks throughout the event. Please note: the boat ramp will be closed during this event.
Catfish with Cops
July 25, 2026, 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Walborn Reservoir, 11324 Price St. NE, Alliance, OH 44601
Join Park Rangers and local law enforcement for a fun evening of fishing! This catfish contest will take place on the dock and shoreline of Walborn Reservoir. All ages welcome! Proceeds benefit the Ranger Explorer Program.
-In person, cash only registration starts at 6 p.m.
-$5 dollars per person
-Catfish must be checked in by 11 p.m. to be counted
-Trophies awarded after final check-in
Kayak Fishing Tournament
Aug. 29, 2026, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Deer Creek Reservoir, 14514 Price St. NE, Alliance, OH 44601
Join us for an exciting new kayak tournament at Deer Creek Reservoir. This tournament is geared towards youth (8+) and adults. This charity event is hosted by Kayak Anglers of Northeast Ohio in partnership with Stark Parks. Concessions will be available for purchase, including food and drinks (cash only). Participants should bring their own poles and kayaks. Stark Parks will provide a limited number of solo and tandem kayaks on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the event. Proceeds from the tournament will help support a kayak vending machine at Deer Creek Reservoir. $25 per kayak registration.
Register for Kayak Fishing
Bob Meister Special Needs Derby
Sept. 12, 9 to 11 a.m.
Sippo Lake Marina, 5300 Tyner St., Canton, OH 44708
The Bob Meister Fishing Derby is exclusively for individuals with special needs. Sponsored by the Berkley Fishing Team; this event will take place at the marina on Sippo Lake. 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. Registration begins at 8 a.m., with fishing from 9 to 11 a.m. Lunch follows from 11 a.m. to Noon. Online registration will be coming soon.