By Rosalind Russell – The Espanola Annual Children’s Winter Fishing Derby was a huge success in the early 2000s, being the largest gathering of its kind in Ontario for two years in a row in 2009 and 2010.
A lack of volunteers led to its cancellation, but the Anishinabe Spiritual Centre wants to bring it back for Family Day, Monday, February 16th, 2026, so several partners have come together to make it a reality.
As part of the Free Family Fishing Weekend, the centre will host the derby with the support of the Natural Resource Ministry, the Espanola & District Snowmobile Club and Espanola Game and Fish Club.
Children up to the age of 14 can register for the event, but being a family event, everyone is invited to take it in, since no licence is needed for the weekend.
Registration of the children is at ten am, where they will receive a gift bag, fishing from 11 am to 2 pm, and then followed by the presentation of winners.
If the ice conditions are not ideal, there will be a variety of children’s events held throughout the day.
There will also be a barbecue with all proceeds going to a local charitable organization.
For more information, visit the website: https://www.ontariofamilyfishing.com/
Visit the site for information about their fishing photo contest, with a prize pack valued at over $500.
Photo: File photo of Anishinabe Spiritual Centre Children’s Winter Fishing Derby.
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