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 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. Fishing locations include: Cook's Lagoon, Deer Creek Reservoir, Devonshire Park, Fichtner Park, Fry Family Park (catch and release only), Ohio & Erie Canal-Lock 4 Trailhead and Wooster St., Petros Lake Park, Quail Hollow Park, Sippo Lake, Tam O'Shanter Park (catch and release only), and Walborn Reservoir.
Ice Access:
Ice is never considered safe to walk on. Ice access is limited to skating and fishing only.
2025 Fishing Derby Schedule
The 2025 fishing derby schedule includes derbies across Stark County with prizes. The spring and summer fishing events include kid's shoreline derbies (Ages 4 to 15), a kids and senior citizen derby, bass boat tournaments, a night fishing derby open to all ages, and a catfish tournament.
Kid's Fishing Derbies
Long-time partners and supporters, Stark County Federation of Conservation Clubs and Berkley Fishing Team, along with a sponsorship from Fishermans Central help present the 2025 fishing derbies for kids. 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. Fishing poles will be distributed by the Stark County Federation of Conservation Clubs. One per child for the season. Free bait provided by JWS Bait. Concessions will be available for purchase.
Kid's Derby Rules: 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.
Jack Cullen Towpath Trail Trout Derby
Sat., April 26, 8 a.m.
St. Helena Heritage Park, Canal Fulton
Cook's Lagoon Derby (Ages 4 to 15 and Seniors 65+)
Sat., May 31, 8 a.m.
Cook's Lagoon
Richard Fry Memorial Catfish Derby
Sat., Aug. 9, 8 a.m.
Magnolia Mill Pond
Partnership Derbies
The following three derbies are hosted at Stark Parks, but require registration through partnering agencies.
Cops and Bobbers with Perry Twp. Police Dept.
Mon., May 12, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Petros Lake Park
Kids ages (3-15) are invited to join Perry Township Police Department for Cops & Bobbers at Petros Lake Park! On-site registration begins at 4 p.m. with fishing from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and prizes to follow! Fishing poles will be available while supplies last. There will be a variety of door prizes and snacks available for purchase. Perry Township Police Officers and Stark County Park Rangers will be available to hang out and help! Co-sponsored by Stark Parks, Stark County Federation of Conservation Clubs, Berkley Fishing Team, North Industry Sportsman Club and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife. Pre-registration begins April 14, 2025. Bait provided by JWS Bait.
"Pep" Tamargo Memorial Derby
Sat., June 7, 8 a.m.
Sippo Lake Park-Marina
The Pep Tamargo Memorial Children's takes place at the Sippo Lake Marina and is sponsored by the Berkley Fishing Team, who is on hand to provide instruction as well as prizes and giveaways. Bring your own pole and gear. This derby is geared towards children ages 4-15. Pre-registration is suggested at the link below. In-person registration begins at 7 a.m. with fishing from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
**Pre-registration required. Lunch, bait, trophies, and prizes provided by the Berkley Fishing Team. Bait provided by JWS Bait.
Bob Meister Special Needs Derby
Sept. 13, 9 a.m. to Noon at Sippo Lake Marina
Exclusively for individuals with special needs. Following the derby, prizes will be awarded, and a lunch will be provided. Sponsored by Stark Parks and the Berkley Fishing Team. Walkways and parking lots are accessible along with the fishing pier and shoreline of the lake. **Pre-registration required. Bait provided by JWS Bait.
Bass Boat Tournament, Catfish with Cops, and Night Fishing Derby
Ranger Bass Tournament
June 21, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Walborn Marina
Enjoy time on the water at Walborn Reservoir at this bass boat tournament presented by Park Rangers from the Public Safety Dept. Individual or partnered, five (5) bass limit: largemouth or smallmouth. 15" minimum. 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 weigh in at 3 p.m. Cash prizes to follow with 60% payout based on a 30 boat entry: 1st-$450, 2nd-$270, 3rd-$90, and a Big Bass at $270.
Remaining proceeds from the tournament 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.
10HP limit, larger motors can be used to un-trailer and trailer only. All state and local laws apply.
Catfish with Cops Event
June 21, 6 to 11 p.m. at Walborn Marina
Enjoy an evening of fishing while building positive connections with Park Rangers and local law enforcement. The event is a shoreline and dock fishing catfish contest only. All ages are welcome. Registration and fishing start at 6 p.m. A fee of $5 dollars per person (cash only) benefits the Ranger Explorer Program. Catfish must be checked in by 11 p.m. to be counted. Prizes awarded directly after check in.
Ranger Bass Tournament
July 12, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Deer Creek Reservoir
Enjoy time on the water at Deer Creek Reservoir at this bass boat tournament presented by Park Rangers from the Public Safety Dept. Individual or partnered, five (5) bass limit: largemouth or smallmouth. 12” minimum.
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 weigh in at 3 p.m. Cash prizes to follow with 60% payout based on a 30 boat entry: 1st-$450, 2nd-$270, 3rd-$90, and a Big Bass at $270.
Remaining proceeds from the tournament 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.
10HP limit with Electric Motors only at this location. All state and local laws apply.
Night Fishing Derby
July 18, 6 to 10 p.m. at Sippo Lake Marina
Open to all ages whether you are a seasoned angler or looking for a fun night outdoors. $5 cash entry fee. Must be present at 10 p.m. to claim. Registration begins at 5 p.m. on site with fishing beginning at 6 p.m. All Ohio laws and regulations apply. The marina will be open for bait and snacks throughout the event.
