❋
What to Expect
What to Expect
Join us for a weekend of fishing fun at the Detroit Lake Foundation 2026 Detroit Lake Fishing Derby! Whether you’re a seasoned angler or casting a line for the first time, this three‑day celebration has something for everyone.
Throughout the weekend, enjoy the festivities in Detroit with food, beverage, entertainment, and market vendors all leading up to the big awards party on Sunday at Noon–3 PM.
Proceeds from this event support the Detroit Fourth of July celebration. With great fishing, great food, great music, and great company, it’s the perfect way to kick off the season at Detroit Lake.
❋ Entry Details
Adults (14+): $25 (includes entry into the Grand Prize - Boat + Motor + Trailer)
Kids (Under 14): $20 (includes entry into the Grand Prize Child Raffle - 2 Prize Bikes + Helmets)
Raffle Tickets: $5 each, or 10/$40 (Fundraiser for Fireworks)
Tickets can be purchased online or at the Registration Table located along the back side of Detroit City Park.
First 600 registrants receive a FREE HAT courtesy of our Hat Sponsor, Peterson CAT! (Additional hats for sale on‑site.)
Note: No need to be in line at the crack of dawn! Come register when you're ready to check in your first catch.
Day OneArrive & Fish On
Set up camp, get on the water, fish. Check-in when you’re ready to do your day one weigh in.
Get Settled & Fish6:00am
Check-in at Registration8:00am - 4:00pm
You’ll receive your hat, fill out your raffle ticket for the Grand Prize Boat (Adults) and Bikes (Children) and bracelets for the daily fish.
Fish Clip + Weigh In8:00am - 6:00pm
Bring your catches of the day to the Fish Clipping Stations located at Detroit City Park, Kanes Marina, or Detroit Lake Marina.
Big fish totals are by WEIGHT. Do not clean your fish prior to weigh-in.
Participants can register up to 5 fish per day. For every fish checked in, participant will get a mark on their bracelet and 1 raffle ticket per entry for the rod/reel sets and fishing net prizes.
Firework Raffle Ticket Purchase8:00am - 4:00pm
All proceeds from the Fireworks Raffle will help us light up the skies this 4th of July. Prizes will be displayed behind the registration area. Ticket sales close on Saturday, May 16 at 5:00pm.
Day TwoFish, Saturday Market, Raffle & Party in the Park
Fish Clip + Weigh Ins8:00am – 6:00pm
Fish Clip & Weigh Stations Open at Detroit City Park, Kane's Marina, and Detroit Marina.
Saturday Market10:00am - 3:00pm
Arts, crafts, fresh fruit, flowers and more will be offered by local vendors at the Detroit City Park on Saturday. Buy local!
Fireworks Raffle Ticket Sales Close5:00pm
Winners will be posted by 10:00am, Sunday.
DJ Dance Party by the Mystics5:00pm - 8:00pm
Bring the family down for some good music, drinks and food.
Day ThreeFish, Craft Fair & Grand Prize Ceremony
Fish Clip + Weigh Ins8:00am – 12:00pm
Fish Clip & Weigh Station Open at Detroit City Park ONLY.
Craft Fair10:00am - 3:00pm
Local Artisans will be set up in Detroit Community Center Gym. Find treasures!
Grand Prize Ceremony2:00pm - 3:00pm
Raffles begin at 2:00pm
Prizes & Highlights
Grand Prizes
Adults: Fishing boat, motor, and trailer
Kids: Two bikes with safety helmets
Biggest Fish Awards: Rod & reel combos for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in both adult and kids’ categories
Tagged Fish: Ten tagged fish worth up to $100 each
DLF Raffle: Inflatables, grills, fishing gear, tents, water toys, gift baskets, and more!
