Kids Fishing Derby

KIDS FISHING DERBY

Kids Fishing Derby

No license, no fees, just fun!

Join us for the Eagle Creek Park Foundation’s Free Fishing Derby, a beloved tradition for over 25 years! Held on DNR’s free fishing day, no license is needed, and park entry fees are waived for families attending the event—so you can enjoy a full day at Eagle Creek Park.

Kids ages 4-14 and their families are invited to this catch-and-release event from 9 am to 1 pm. Fishing poles, bobbers, and bait are provided on a first-come, first-served basis, but feel free to bring your own gear. After fishing and free hot dogs, feel free to stay to explore the park’s beauty.

Many families bring chairs, blankets, and coolers for a comfortable, fun-filled day!

Register for Fishing Derby

Watch: A look back at Fishing Derby

Fishing Derby Registration

Register

Date: Saturday, June 7, 2025

Time: 9 am to 1 pm

Cost: Free!

Location: Lilly Lake >, Eagle Creek Park

Park entry, fishing gear rental, and lunch are all provided at no cost to the visitor.

The event is scheduled during a DNR Free Fishing Day.

Complete this form to let us know you’re coming. We prepare fishing gear and food for anyone who attends!

Register the whole family for the Kids Free Fishing Derby!

Volunteer and Sponsorship Opportunities

Want to Volunteer?

Eagle Creek Park Foundation needs volunteers to make the Kids Fishing Derby a reality! If you’re interested in volunteering, please email ecpf@eaglecreekpark.org to find out more. We need help before, during, and after the event with any of the following:

Fishing Guidance
Registration
Setup and Tear-Down
Parking
Distribution of Fishing Gear

Reach out about volunteering >

Directions

The easiest way to access Lilly Lake is to enter through the 71st Street entrance, and then take your first left (65th St.), then take the first right (Lilly Lake Dr.), then right at the tee in the road.

As you enter the park, let the gate attendant know you’re here for the Fishing Derby, participants will have gate fees waived.

Fishing Derby Photo Gallery

A young girl with braided hair fishing by a serene lake, wearing a blue hoodie and holding a fishing rod.

A child wearing a mask holds a caught fish while fishing by a lake, showcasing a fishing rod and bobber in the background.

A family fishing by a serene lake, showcasing a child and an adult casting fishing lines into calm waters surrounded by greenery.

Eagle Creek Park Foundation table setup near a pond, showcasing brochures and promotional materials for visitors.

Group of children fishing by a lake, showcasing outdoor recreational activities and family bonding moments.

A mother and her child fishing by a serene lake, showcasing a bonding moment in nature with fishing gear and a calm water backdrop.

Outdoor pavilion with people preparing food and snacks on a table, surrounded by greenery.

Two volunteers at a charity event with a snack table featuring chips, condiments, and drinks in a natural outdoor setting.

Children fishing by a serene pond surrounded by greenery, showcasing outdoor family activities and nature exploration.

A vibrant community gathering along a lakeside with people enjoying nature and activities amidst lush greenery.

Group of people fishing by a pond, showcasing community engagement in outdoor activities.

Group of people fishing by a lake, including adults and children with fishing rods and tackle boxes.

A child with curly hair fishing by a serene lake, showcasing outdoor recreational activities and nature.

A child fishing from the shore while an adult stands nearby, surrounded by greenery and a calm water body.

Iron Eagle Paddle Run

Iron Eagle

Iron Eagle Paddle and Run

Indy’s most enjoyable summer challenge!

Iron Eagle is a unique run-paddle-run adventure race designed for all fitness levels and experience levels. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just looking for a fun challenge, this race offers a scenic and exciting course through Eagle Creek Park’s trails and reservoir.

The race centers around a 1.5-mile paddle on Eagle Creek reservoir, sandwiched between two 2.6-mile runs through Eagle Creek Park’s beautiful wooded trails.

Individuals and relay teams can participate. All participants receive a medal, t-shirt and access to the post-race party.

About the Race > More Info > Race Experience & Results >

Register for Iron Eagle

Support the park

Eagle Creek Park Foundation presents Iron Eagle – a relaxed race for all ages and abilities. Proceeds from the race go to Eagle Creek Park’s trail maintenance fund >.

The trail maintenance fund was used to build a new bridge on the Orange trail in 2023, which competitors now run over during the race!

In 2025, using the funds raised, the Iron Eagle committee has set their sights on renovating the amphitheater behind the Earth Discovery Center. These enhancements will increase the usability and safety of that section of the trail! Phase 1 of the project was completed in July 2025, Check out Phase 1 >

Donate to the Trail Fund

Iron Eagle 2025

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Hour(s)

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Register for Iron Eagle

About the Race

Iron Eagle Course Map

Download Course Map

About the Race

Iron Eagle is a run-paddle-run adventure race for individuals and teams of all ages and ability levels. The race features a 2.6-mile trail run, a 1.5-mile paddle, and another 2.6-mile trail run back to the finish at the Eagle Creek Park swimming beach for the post-race party.

This event showcases the amazing trails and open water of Eagle Creek Park while offering a fun and scenic challenge. Proceeds support trail maintenance and improvements at Eagle Creek Park.

Date and Time

August 9, 2025
6:30 am-7:30 am boat drop-off, at marina
6:30 am – 7:30 am check-in/registration, & packet pick-up at beach
8 am race starts at the beach.
Post-race party concludes at 12 pm.

Pricing

Priced per person, team information below
Proceeds benefit Eagle Creek trail fund
$50 before June 9th
$60 before July 9th
$70 before August 3rd
$80 from August 4th until race day
Foundation members receive a $10 discount for Iron Eagle. Become a member today >

Register for Iron Eagle

Race Experience and Results

Iron Eagle Race Day

Iron Eagle Photo Gallery

Iron Eagle participants range in age, gender, and ability level. The only thing they have in common is that all finishers receive a custom Iron Eagle medal.

Prior Years' Photos

Group of runners participating in a race on a gravel path near a lake.

Two male runners participating in a trail race through a wooded area.

Group of runners participating in a trail run through a wooded area.

Three women running along a wooded trail during a race in a forested area.

A woman in a green tank top running on a wooded trail with other runners in the background.

A male runner wearing a backpack running on a forest trail surrounded by greenery.

Two individuals running on a forest trail, one waving and the other smiling, both wearing race bibs.

Multiple kayakers paddling on a calm body of water with two individuals observing from a railing.

Two individuals paddling in a double kayak on calm water with blue paddles.

Individual paddling a bright yellow kayak on calm water, wearing a blue life jacket and a headband.

An adult and a child paddling together in a double kayak on calm water.

A group of kayakers paddling on a calm body of water with several boats in the background.

Individual paddling a turquoise solo kayak on calm water with a paddle.

A man in swim shorts and a life jacket exiting an orange kayak onto a riverbank.

Individual paddling a kayak on calm water with a paddle in hand.

Individual paddling a red and yellow kayak on calm water with a paddle.

A runner in an orange tank top crossing the finish line at Eagle Creek Park event.

Two women crossing the finish line of a race with arms raised in celebration.

A male runner crossing the finish line at Eagle Creek Park event with a camera in hand.

A man and woman running together across a finish line at Eagle Creek Park event.

Iron Eagle Results

Check out race results from 2019 onward by clicking below! The gallery highlights our 2024 winners. Awards are given for Male and Female Individual, 2-Person Team, and 2-Person Relay categories. (The 3-Person Relay category is not awarded.)

Prior Years' Results

Two women standing together, one holding a trophy and the other wearing a medal, in an outdoor event setting.

A man in athletic wear receiving a paddle award from a woman in a casual shirt at an outdoor event.

Three women holding paddles and awards after a competition, smiling at the camera.

Two male relay race winners holding wooden paddles and medals, smiling at the camera.

Three individuals wearing gray t-shirts and medals, smiling and holding snack bars at an event.

2024 Iron Eagle with Foundation Staff

In 2024 Eagle Creek Park Foundation Staff decided to participate in Iron Eagle – and we had a blast! We particularly enjoyed making our team name: “Titanium Turkeys” into a fabulous t-shirt and getting to meet many of the participants on the day of the event. Also we technically won the 3-Person Relay, as we were the only entrants in the category for 2024.

2024 Iron Eagle Staff Takeaways

Our staff team had a blast at Iron Eagle 2024 and learned a few things along the way! The race atmosphere is fun and welcoming, no intense training is required to enjoy it, and many participants return year after year. If you’ve ever thought about joining, now’s the perfect time to sign up!

Group of participants running in a race, some wearing numbered bibs and athletic clothing.

A woman running on a trail in a forest, with other runners visible in the background.

Individual paddling a turquoise kayak on calm water, wearing a gray shirt and a cap.

A participant in athletic attire crossing a finish line at an Eagle Creek Park Foundation event.

More Information

Iron Eagle Divisions

You will select your division when you register on the race website

Individual

One person completes the entire race by themselves.
This includes both the run stages and the paddle stage.
Historically, it is our most popular division.
1st place male and female individuals receive an award.

2-Person Team

Both participants run both running stages and the paddle stage
Teams can consist of two people of any gender.
Teams are welcome to use two single boats or a double boat
Participants need to stay within 50 feet of their teammate
Boat(s) must remain in the boat transition area until both runners have arrived
Finish time and place are based on when the last runner crosses the finish line.
One award is presented to the winning team for this category.

2-Person Relay

Relays can consist of two people of any gender.
One person runs both running stages, and the other completes the paddle stage.
The paddle person and boat need to stay in the boat transition area until the runner arrives.
One award is presented to the winning team for this category.

3-Person Relay

Relays can consist of three people of any gender.
One person runs the first run stage, the second completes the paddle, and the third person runs the second run stage.
The paddle person and boat need to stay in the boat transition area until the first runner arrives
The second runner must stay in the boat transition area until the paddle portion is complete
3-person relay teams are welcome, but will not be eligible for the awards

Register for Iron Eagle

Iron Eagle FAQ

If you have additional Iron Eagle questions, email ecpf@eaglecreekpark.org

Is there a course map?

The Iron Eagle course used for the 10th anniversary race has become our standard race and can be found here Iron Eagle Course Overview

Can I bring my own kayak/canoe/watercraft?

Competitors and teams are allowed to bring their own watercraft, provided you also bring your own appropriate lifejacket(s) and paddles.

Are watercraft rentals available?

Yes. Kayak and canoe rentals are available in advance through Eagle Creek Outfitters on a first-come, first-served basis. $10 from every boat rental benefits the Foundation. Rentals come equipped with paddles and life jackets.

Single dugout & sit-on-top kayaks are $28. Double kayaks & canoes are $33.

What are the award categories?

Winners will be honored in the following categories:

First place individual female
First place individual male
First place two-person team (2 participants complete the entire race together)
First place two-person relay team (2 participants, each completes 1 or 2 stages)

Where can I park?

The race begins and ends at the beach.
Race check-in, packet pick-up, and registration all occur at the beach.
There is plenty of parking at the beach for competitors and spectators alike.
Before the race, you’ll need to visit the marina to drop off your watercraft or pick up your rental.
Plenty of temporary parking at the marina while you get your watercraft situated before the race.

Can I volunteer at Iron Eagle?

We’d love to have you! We need help with the following:

Water aid stations
Road crossings
Medal distribution
Registration
T-shirt distribution
Boat management
The after party

Please contact ecpf@eaglecreekpark.org for volunteer information.

Foundation Staff, Board members and volunteers all pitching in

Are spectators allowed?

This race starts and ends at the beach with the marina serving as the transition area. Spectators are welcome to view the race at either location.

Note that you won’t be able to drive between the marina and the beach once the race begins.

2024 Iron Eagle Sponsors

Photography

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If you don’t think every day is a good day – try missing a few. You’ll see.

You can create beautiful things – but you have to see them in your mind first. A beautiful little sunset.

Let’s make some happy little clouds in our world. The man who does the best job is the one who is happy at his job. Just make a decision and let it go.

Maybe there’s a happy little Evergreen that lives here.

Little short strokes. It all happens automatically. We must be quiet, soft and gentle. Only eight colors that you need.

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Get A Pass

LOCATION:

7840 West 56th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46254

CONTACT:

317-327-7110

ECPF@eaglecreekpark.org

HOURS:

Open Dawn to Dusk

Monday-Sunday 7:00am-8:30pm EST

WEBSITE:

EagleCreekPark.Org

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Additional content goes here that is specific to the topic.

Special rules, regulations, and so forth.

If you don’t think every day is a good day – try missing a few. You’ll see.

You can create beautiful things – but you have to see them in your mind first. A beautiful little sunset.

Let’s make some happy little clouds in our world. The man who does the best job is the one who is happy at his job. Just make a decision and let it go.

Maybe there’s a happy little Evergreen that lives here.

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Get in the water at the Boat Ramp at Eagle Creek Park.

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Explore Peace Learning Center at Eagle Creek Park.

Fishing

TITLE GOES HERE

THIS IS AN IMAGE CAPTION

SUBTITLE GOES HERE

If you don’t think every day is a good day – try missing a few. You’ll see.

You can create beautiful things – but you have to see them in your mind first. A beautiful little sunset.

Let’s make some happy little clouds in our world. The man who does the best job is the one who is happy at his job. Just make a decision and let it go.

Maybe there’s a happy little Evergreen that lives here.

Little short strokes. It all happens automatically. We must be quiet, soft and gentle. Only eight colors that you need.