Essex County Free Youth Fishing Derbies Will Return: 2026 Local Events

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A series of free fishing derbies for local youth will return to Essex County this year.

Essex County’s 2026 fishing derbies are free and open to children 15 and under. There will be seven contests held over two-weeks (see schedule and locations below).

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Here’s what to know if you plan to go, county officials said:

“Each derby is free and open to children ages 15 and younger. All children must be accompanied by an adult and bring their own fishing pole, bait, bucket and chair. Children are encouraged to bring their own fishing poles. Prizes in various age categories for catching the first and most fish will be awarded at the conclusion of each derby.”

The fishing derbies will be held as follows:

• Wednesday, May 27: Irvington Park Pond, Grove Street and Lyons Avenue, Irvington. On-site registration begins at 5 p.m., the derby begins at 6 p.m. and awards will be presented at 7:15 p.m.
• Thursday, May 28: Verona Park Boathouse, Bloomfield Avenue and Lakeside Avenue, Verona. On-site registration begins at 5 p.m., the derby begins at 6 p.m. and awards will be presented at 7:15 p.m.
• Wednesday, June 3: Weequahic Park Lake, Elizabeth Avenue and Meeker Avenue, Newark. On-site registration begins at 5 p.m., the derby begins at 6 p.m. and awards will be presented at 7:15 p.m.
• Thursday, June 4: Grover Cleveland Park Pond, Brookside Avenue and Runnymede Road, Caldwell/Essex Fells. On-site registration begins at 5 p.m., the derby begins at 6 p.m. and awards will be presented at 7:15 p.m.
• Tuesday, June 8: Monte Irvin Orange Park Pond, Center Street and Harrison Street, Orange. On-site registration begins at 5 p.m., the derby begins at 6 p.m. and awards will be presented at 7:15 p.m.
• Wednesday, June 10: Branch Brook Park Prudential Concert Grove, use Park Avenue or Clifton Street entrances, Newark. On-site registration begins at 5 p.m., the derby begins at 6 p.m. and awards will be presented at 7:15 p.m.
• Thursday, June 11: South Mountain Recreation Complex, Cherry Lane, Orange Reservoir, Paddle Boat area. On-site registration begins at 5 p.m., the derby begins at 6 p.m. and awards will be presented at 7:15 p.m.

Cancelled fishing derbies will not be rescheduled. In case of inclement weather, cancellations will be posted on www.essexcountynj.org. For more information, call 973-268-3500.

“Our fishing derbies are an excellent opportunity for our children to enjoy the historic Essex County Park System in a different and fun way,” Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. said.

“You’ll have a great time creating your own ‘big fish’ stories and spending some quality time with your friends and family,” DiVincenzo added, encouraging local youth and their families to enjoy “some of the most beautiful parks in the area.”

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