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!

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!

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.

Fishing

Enjoy some peaceful fishing at Eagle Creek Park.

Fishing

Fishing at Eagle Creek

Anglers welcome at Eagle Creek

Eagle Creek Park offers fantastic opportunities for anglers of all skill levels, boasting a reputation as “one of the best places in Indy to catch fish day in and day out”. The park’s immense 1,300-acre reservoir is a prime spot, providing a rich habitat for various species and a “great resource for both wildlife and recreation”.

Fishing is permitted in several key locations within the park:

Eagle Creek Reservoir: Known for Largemouth Bass, Crappie, and Catfish. The reservoir offers ample space for fishing from the bank or by boat.
Lilly Lake: This area allows for bank fishing and is annually stocked with Largemouth Bass, Carp, Channel Catfish, and Crappie. Bluegill and other panfish are most commonly caught in Lilly Lake.
Waterfowl (Bird) Sanctuary: Minor fishing is allowed along the bank from the parking lot, with species including Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Crappie, Carp, and Catfish.

Fishing Map and Info

A Foundation Pass gives back

An Eagle Creek Park Foundation Pass grants umlimted gate entry and is the easiest way to give back to the park. If you plan to fish often, it’s as essential as your pole and license.

Get A Pass

More Fishing Info

Fishing Rules

All fishing and boating on the reservoir are regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, with specific rules including state and bag limits, a maximum boat length of 26 feet, and requirements for fishing with a pole. You can also find live bait, artificial lures, tackle, and boat rentals at the Marina Bait House.

Indiana DNR Fishing Info

Kids Fishing Derby

For our younger anglers, don’t miss the Eagle Creek Park Foundation’s Free Kids Fishing Derby! This beloved tradition, running for over 25 years, is a fantastic opportunity for kids aged 4-14 and their families to enjoy a fun-filled day of fishing.

The derby is held at Lilly Lake on a DNR free fishing day, meaning no license is needed, and park entry fees are waived for all families attending the event. Poles, bait, and food are provided by the Foundation. Click the post below to learn more

Kids Fishing Derby

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

Other Offerings at Eagle Creek

Waterfowl Sanctuary

Waterfowl Sanctuary at Eagle Creek Park

Eagle Creek Outfitters

Rent all the gear you need at Eagle Creek Outfitters.

Marina

Launch your kayak or paddleboard from the Marina at Eagle Creek Park.

Boat Ramp

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

Causeway

About the 56th Street Causeway at Eagle Creek Park.

Beach

Go for a swim at the beach at Eagle Creek Park!

Sailing Club

Come sail away with us: The Eagle Creek Sailing Club.

Watersports

WATERSPORTS

Watersports at Eagle Creek

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH INDY PARKS

For Eagle Creek programs, please visit this Indy Parks page.

PERSONAL BOATS

10 HP LIMIT

Personal boats up to 10 horsepower are permitted on the reservoir.

26 FOOT LIMIT

There is a 26-foot length boat restriction.

TRAILERS

Boats with trailers must launch from the 42nd St. Boat Ramp (on Dandy Trail, South of the Eagle Creek 56th Street Gatehouse)

EARTH DISCOVERY CENTER RAMP PORTAGE

Small canoes and kayaks can launch from the old boat ramp at the back of the Earth Discovery Center parking lot (must be portaged down the ramp, no vehicles).

BOAT LAUNCH ADMISSION FEES:

SINGLE DAY PASS: $3 PLUS PARK ADMISSION

ANNUAL CAR TOP BOAT LAUNCH STICKER: $20 PER VESSEL

ANNUAL CANOE / KAYAK PASS: $20

ANNUAL BOAT RAMP PASS (FOR TRAILERS): $40

WATERSPORTS AT EAGLE CREEK PARK

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EAGLE CREEK OUTFITTERS

If you like to be on the water, sailing lessons as well as canoes, kayaks, pontoon and row boats, paddle boats, and even paddle boards are available to rent down at Eagle Creek Outfitters.

WATERCRAFT RENTALS

Canoes – Kayaks – Pontoons – Row Boats – Paddle Boards

OTHER ACTIVITIES

Electric Bikes – Guided Tours – Sailing Lessons

For more information call 317.327.7130 or click below:

GO TO EAGLE CREEK OUTFITTERS

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INDIANAPOLIS ROWING CENTER

The Indianapolis Rowing Center offers a variety of classes and programs for new and experienced adult (and collegiate) rowers, youth ages 13-18, as well as underprivileged youth and physically disabled individuals.

BOATHOUSE

Open March through November

CLASSES

April through October

For more information call 317.327.7100 or click below:

GO TO INDIANAPOLIS ROWING CENTER

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EAGLE CREEK SAILING CLUB

Eagle Creek Sailing Club is located on the western shore of Eagle Creek Reservoir. Eagle Creek Sailing Club is 400 members strong, with people who love sailing, socializing, and being on the water. The club offers slips, lessons, summer camps, racing, and more. Please see the membership page if you are interested in learning more about membership.

RACING

You can find racing information here.

SAILING CAMP FOR KIDS

Three sessions in June, available to non-members.

GO TO EAGLE CREEK SAILING CLUB

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