Kids' Fishing Day at Crystal Lake Park

UPDATED: Alternate event date in effect at request of ODNR, due to rainy conditions this week and water conditions which will affect the stocking of the rainbow trout. Following a special rainbow trout stocking by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife, Eaton Parks & Recreation will host its second annual Kids’ Fishing Day at Crystal Lake Park on Saturday, April 20, from 9 a.m.-noon.

The ODNR Division of Wildlife stocks approximately 100,000 rainbow trout across the state each year to provide fishing opportunities directed toward youth, families, and senior anglers each year. These rainbow trout releases take place March through May, as long as areas are ice-free and accessible to anglers. Stockings of public lakes and ponds provide opportunities for families to fish together.

“Fishing for catchable-sized trout is a great way to introduce young people to the outdoors,” according to ODNR officials.

Approximately 100 youth took part in last year’s Kids’ Fishing Day.

The rainbow trout are raised at state fish hatcheries and measure 10-13 inches before they are released by the ODNR Division of Wildlife. According to ODNR officials, these stockings are intended to provide very high angler success by creating “Fish in a Barrel” opportunities and a harvest of all stocked fish. Catchable rainbow trout not caught represent a lost opportunity because these fish are sensitive to warm water temperatures and typically do not survive through late spring.

The daily harvest limit for inland lakes is five trout per angler, and this limit will be adhered to during Kids’ Fishing Day at Crystal Lake. ODNR officials plan to be on site during the event to help monitor and educate.

No fishing will be permitted at Crystal Lake from 9 a.m. Friday, April 19, to 9 a.m., Saturday, April 20, when the fishing event begins.

Children 15 years old and younger do not need a fishing license to participate. Youth who are fishing will be entered into a drawing to win one of three fishing poles courtesy of Walmart of Eaton and Eaton Parks & Rec. There'll be free coffee/hot chocolate, donuts and more, thanks to our generous sponsors, Neaton Auto, Henny Penny, Kierston's Coffee Stop, the Rumpke Charitable Foundation and the Preble County Development Partnership.