ANNUAL SUMMER AND FALL FISHING DERBY

FWCFC 27th ANNUAL SUMMER FISHING DERBY

Get ready to catch the big one at the 27th Annual FORT WAYNE COMMUNITY FISHING CLUB SUMMER FISHING DERBY 27 taking place June 6, 2026 8am-3pm at the Ivan Lebamoff Reservoir Park located at 2300 S. Clinton Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Come out and join us for a positive summer activity for while enjoying the thrill of landing a massive fish! We focus on the five Fs – fishing, fun, family, food and friendship. This event really brings the community together to enjoy a day of fishing while enjoying the outdoors and simultaneously practicing conservation. Old friends meet and many families come year after year! From toddlers to seniors, this annual derby has become a cherished tradition for all. It’s become an annual event attracting over 300 children and families each year. Prizes are awarded for the largest fish caught by weight to the TOP 3 girls and boys that register for the contest. Participants must have their fished weighed by 2:45pm. FREE LUNCH FOR ALL KIDS IN ATTENDANCE!

FWCFC FALL FAMILY FISHING DERBY
SEPT 26, 2026 8AM-12PM

Prize awarded for registered participant that catches the largest fish caught (by lbs). All ages are welcome to register for chance to win first place prize. Registration fee of $5.00 per participant. Registration begins at 8:00am and ends at 9:30am. All fish entered must be weighed by 11:30am.

CATCH OF THE DAY

Prizes were given to boys and girls for catching the biggest fish.  The boy who caught the biggest fish received the Ivan Lebamoff’s Catch of the Day Award with a trophy and prize. This award honors the former mayor of Fort Wayne, after whom the park is named.  He was a staunch advocate for the South Side community and his son, Jordan Lebamoff, is currently one of our biggest supporters.

The girl who caught the biggest fish received Lilly Mae’s Catch of the Day award which included a trophy and prize.  Lilly Mae was the daughter of one of our members Wesley Mowen, who joined us through the Geyer Middle School fishing club and continued to affiliate with us as an adult. Lilly Mae passed away at two years of age.  The FWCFC decided to honor her during Derby 20 by naming the first prize for girls after her.  Second and third place finishers also receive trophies and prizes.

BEAMAN’S BACKYARD BASS CONTEST

Beaman’s Backyard Bass Competition is a game where kids can test their skill and accuracy in casting and identifying fish.  James Beaman was a supporter of FWCFC.  When he died his family asked that monetary gifts given in his memory come to us.  We decided to name the annual Backyard Bass CompetItion in his honor.

FOOD

As always, a free lunch will be served to children.  Adults can purchase lunch for a donation but kids under the age 17 eat free. Food Trucks will be in attendance

FAMILIES

We usually get over 300 children and families at each derby.  We hope to increase that number each this year.  Come out and join us and invite other family members and friends.

WANT TO HELP?

We’re always looking for volunteers and sponsors to help us make this a memorable occasion. If you would like to volunteer, please click here or call 260-433-4974 to start the process. Due to the fact that you will be around children, we will have to run a background check on you.er, click here or call 260-433-4974 to start the process.

We welcome sponsors.  If you want to sponsor part of The Fishing Derby please scan the Venmo or Cash App below , click here or call 260-433-4974 to start the process.

Here’s a short list of what we need help with.

  • Stocking fish in the pond – we put the fish in the day of the derby.
  • Ivan Lebamoff’s Catch of the Day (1st prize boys)
  • Lilly Mae’s Catch of the Day (1st prize girls)
  • 2nd and 3rd place prizes boys and girls for biggest fish
  • Beamon’s Backyard Bass Contest (participation prizes for the children)
  • Food (hot dogs, buns, chips, fruit, healthy snack options)
  • Drinks (water, juice boxes; healthy options for children)
  • Media sponsor
  • Derby tee shirts

To contact us for more information click here or call 260-433-4794.