ABOUT

WHO ARE WE?
We’re Fort Wayne Community Fishing Club (FWCFC).  A group of guys and volunteers who love to fish. We are passing our love of fishing on to the next generation.  Our goal is to provide an outdoor experience for children teaching them how to fish and practice basic conservation skills.

WHAT SIZE FISHING POLE SHOULD I GET? HOW MUCH STUFF DO I REALLY NEED?
If you have ever asked one of these questions, we can help! Our youth programs give children and adults the opportunity to bond in a friendly, non-threatening environment. We’ll teach you what’s needed to outfit your young angler, how to use the equipment, how to be safe around the water, and where you can go fishing.

Boost confidence and self-esteem!
We use fishing to boost confidence and self-esteem.  Kids looking forward to upcoming fishing trips are better behaved and less likely to engage in risky behaviors.

Our Signature Programs:

The Fishing Derby was first organized in 1997 as a gateway to positive summer activity for school age children.  It kicks off our Summer Fishing Program.  The Fishing Derby has become an annual event attracting over 300 children and families each year.  Prizes are given in various categories and a free lunch is served. Derby 26 will take place on June 7th, 2025 8am-4pm, at the Ivan Lebamoff Reservoir Park located at 2300 S. Clinton Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana.

The Summer Fishing Program teaches the life-long sport of fishing.  Children can go on three to five fishing trips beginning early summer and ending late fall.  They  learn how to catch fish, how to care for the catch, how to be safe around the water, and how to care for the environment. Parents are welcomed and encouraged to come on these trips.

2025 GRASSROOTS FISHING
Club members will be fishing throughout the city this spring and summer once a month at various locations. The club invites community members and their families to come out and join us as we attempt to land the big one while practicing conservation at the locations and times listed below (*weather permitting*):

Learn To Fish with the Boys and Girls Club is our opportunity to introduce the sport of fishing to an urban population.

MLK Backyard Fishing Day introduces preschool children to the sport of fishing.  We have lots of fun teaching children using the tiniest fishing poles how to cast and catch “backyard bass.”

AC Urban Garden, an extension of FWCFC beginning in 2023. This Urban Garden will be located near the heart of Fort Wayne, within 2 miles of Electric Works. The AC Urban Garden intends to grow, donate, and deliver pounds of fresh produce to soup kitchens, shelters, churches, and food banks. This garden will also offer the community a natural environment promoting tranquility and serenity within the community and neighborhood.

To learn more about Fort Wayne Community Fishing Club, affiliate with us, or to sign your child up for one of our programs, please click here: Learn More.