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Kids Free Fishing Clinic

Fish Fest

June 6, 2026 from 8 AM - 12 PM

at High Dive Park off of Baldwin St

Free Admission

Ideal for ages 7+, this clinic features a series of stations to teach kids the important aspects of fishing, such as: stewardship, conservation, safety & casting, knot tying, and basic tackle. Kids who complete the clinic will receive a free rod and reel (while supplies last) and can stick around the pond to get some experience, or check out live fish from the Elkhart River by our Aquatic Biology Department.

This event is made possible by the partnership of the Elkhart Environmental Center, Elkhart Parks & Recreation, and Public Works Aquatic Biology Departments.

Duration: 1 Hour

The clinic takes 1 hour to complete. Each station is about 10 minutes long. Kids must complete all 6 stations to receive the free rod and reel (while supplies last).

For more details about this year's event (or for ways to be a part of it!), check out the info below:

Aquatic Biology booth at Fishing Clinic
Fishing at High Dive Pond
Water safety demo at Fishing Clinic
Rods and reels giveaway at Fishing Clinic
Casting Demonstration at Fishing Clinic

What's Happening at the Event:

Kids learn safe handling and release techniques as well as how to be a good steward. They also learn about fishing regulations and practice measuring fish. 

Kids learn how to cast safety and practice their new skills.

Kids learn basic fishing knots and practice their skills.

Kids learn the basic parts of the rod and reel, as well as different types of tackles from hooks and bobbers to lures and flies.

The kids learn basic water safety from the Elkhart Fire Department: personal flotation devices (PFDs), water rescues, and more.

LIVE FISH from the Elkhart River and High Dive Park area are on display courtesy of Elkhart's Aquatic Biology department! Kids get to see the critters up close and learn all about the different species that call the Elkhart and St. Joseph River home.

FREE face painting is available at High Dive Park from 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM for EVERYONE, not just the kids completing the clinic.

Food is available for purchase from the Elkhart Parks & Recreation concessions trailer.

Station leaders for Fishing Clinic event

Volunteer

Volunteers help with setup, cleanup, and/or leading one of the stations (training provided). They can also help kids who are trying out their new fishing skills around High Dive Pond. All info and supplies are provided, including an orientation being the event. Bring friends and family with you! 

Snacks/food provided.

Sign Up Here!

Water safety demo at Fishing Clinic

Sponsor

Support this free, family-friendly event that helps kids learn to fish, be responsible fisher-people, and helps engage them with our local natural resources! Sponsorships allow us to provide free rods and reels to participants, bait & tackle, supplies for the stations, food for volunteers, and (with enough support) a free meal to everyone who completed the clinic. We would love to grow the event and offer even more! Support and sponsorships from community organizations takes this event to the next level!

Please call 574-293-5070 or email EECmail@coei.org for details about our sponsorship opportunities.

Contact Us

Elkhart Environmental Center

1717 E Lusher Ave, Elkhart, IN 46516
Phone: 574-293-5070
E-mail: EECmail@coei.org

Staff Hours: Monday - Friday 8 AM - 5 PM
Trail/Grounds Hours: Dawn - Dusk Every Day