Under The Lock Fishing Derby
35th Annual OFAH Under the Lock Fishing Derby – April 27 – May 5, 2024
Youth and All-Ages Competitions
The OFAH Under the Lock Fishing Derby is an exciting and fun 9-day competition held each year at the Peterborough Lift Lock. In 2024, it offered registered anglers the opportunity to catch 3,000 stocked trout. With 500 specially tagged fish and 20 early bird draws for youth prizes, and sponsored tagged fish for cash prizes, including four grand prizes, participants of all ages competed for a total of more than $25,000 in prizes.
Thanks to the generous support of local businesses, this year’s prizes were more impressive than ever, ranging from fishing rods and tackle boxes to camping equipment, mountain bikes, and cash prizes. The highlight of the derby is always the “Big Fish” grand prize package, awarded to the angler who catches the elusive ‘Walter’. This year’s grand prize was a substantial $1,000 cash reward, but went unclaimed as Walter outsmarted the field.
The OFAH Under the Lock Fishing Derby is a fantastic event that brings together the community for days filled with fishing, fun, and incredible prizes, making it a must-attend for anglers and families alike. Make your plans to join us in 2025!
General Derby Details
Registration is required for all participants, with 2024 fees set at $15 for the first child and $10 for each additional child registered at the same time. Youth registration includes instant prizes on April 27, 2024, for the “Youth Derby” and entry into the “All Ages Derby” as well. Adults can join the fishing fun from Sunday, April 28 at 9 a.m. through Sunday, May 5 at 4 p.m. for a $25 registration fee (all dates apply to the 2024 derby).
The derby maintains a creel limit of two fish per person per day, as per provincial regulations.
Stay tuned for updates in early 2025 as the OFAH prepares for another great derby at the Peterborough Lift Lock.
Youth Derby Details
- Saturday, April 27, 2024 from 9am-4pm
- On-site registration and ticket pick-up begins at 8am, cash, debit, and credit cards accepted
- Open to children 15 years and younger only. Adults may assist young children or those with mobility issues, but adults may not fish themselves
- $15.00 for the first youth; $10.00 for each additional child in the same immediate family at time of registration
- Each registered youth participant will receive a hot dog, granola bar, and milk
- Registered youth from the “Youth Fishing Derby” may fish the All Ages Derby afterwards using their existing wristband
- Instant prizes for tagged fish will be awarded to registered youth
- Limit of two tagged fish prizes per registered youth
- Each registration will receive a prize bag with an OFAH fish poster, Ontario OUT of DOORS magazine, stickers, and more – pick them up at a registration booth
Safety First
- Youth must be accompanied by a parent/guardian
- It is strongly encouraged that participants bring and wear personal flotation devices (PFDs) when fishing at the canal
All-Ages Derby Details
- Sunday, April 28 at 9am to Sunday, May 5 at 4pm
$25 per adult (16+) to fish all week - Registered youth from the “Youth Fishing Derby” may fish daily using their existing wristband
- Onsite registration is daily from 8am-9pm, cash, debit, and credit cards accepted
- Two (2) trout per person per day may be kept. Once you have caught your two trout you may continue to fish but must catch and release. MNRF regulations still apply for aggregate possession limits: S-5 and C-2
- Site security and Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) officials will be onsite to enforce provincial regulations
This event is a family-friendly event, run by passionate volunteers and staff. Poor or abusive behaviour will not be tolerated.
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Interesting in Volunteering?
Help make this great event happen! If you’re near the Peterborough area and have time to volunteer for 1-2 days next April, please reach out to Annie Layfield for more information.
OFAH is for all Ontarians
Its our mission to bring community together.
At OFAH, we are dedicated to fostering a vibrant and inclusive fishing community. Our mission is to unite anglers across the province, promoting responsible fishing practices and ensuring the preservation of our aquatic resources for future generations.Explore Our Diverse Fishing Programs
Community Hatchery Program
The Community Hatchery Program and the hatcheries it supports not only bolster fish populations, but also educate the public about the importance of conservation and sustainable fishing practices.
TackleShare Program
Offering free access to fishing equipment and encouraging people of all ages to explore the joys of fishing, fostering a greater appreciation for Ontario's natural resources and the importance of conservation
Fish Along With OFAH
Discover the OFAH Fish Along program, a valuable resource for anglers of all ages seeking to enhance their fishing skills and knowledge.
Loaner Sites
Fishing rods, reels, and tackle boxes can be borrowed from over 140 loaner sites across Ontario, just like checking out a library book!
Community Hatchery Program
The Community Hatchery Program and the hatcheries it supports not only bolster fish populations, but also educate the public about the importance of conservation and sustainable fishing practices.
TackleShare Program
Offering free access to fishing equipment and encouraging people of all ages to explore the joys of fishing, fostering a greater appreciation for Ontario's natural resources and the importance of conservation
Fish Along with OFAH
Discover the OFAH Fish Along program, a valuable resource for anglers of all ages seeking to enhance their fishing skills and knowledge.
Loaner Sites
Fishing rods, reels, and tackle boxes can be borrowed from over 140 loaner sites across Ontario, just like checking out a library book!
