Anglers Casting Their Lines For the 36th Annual OFAH Under the Lock Fishing Derby Starting April 26

The 36th annual Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) Under the Lock Fishing Derby is back for 2025 and kicks off on April 26 at the Peterborough Lift Lock.

GORDON BOWLEY, FISHING DERBY CO-CHAIR, holds Walter before throwing him into the canal. This is Bowley’s 25th year helping the fishing derby. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.

The first day features the youth derby for children 15 and under, featuring goody bags, a hot dog lunch, 500 stocked trout for instant prizes and a chance to win one of four grand prizes. The all-ages derby starts on April 27 and runs through May 4.

“This community partnership provides anglers more chances to win, while helping to offset the cost of stocked trout for the youth derby," said Annie Layfield, OFAH Program Support Specialist.

Top prize fish ‘Walter’ returns and $1,000 cash goes to the lucky angler who catches the big rainbow trout, estimated to weigh between five and eight pounds. A second grand prize of $500 cash is being awarded to whoever catches ‘Gordon’ in honour of longtime volunteer Gordon Bowley.

New this year is the first-annual high school derby on May 1.

“We’re excited to offer high school students a chance to try their luck at trout fishing. The day includes five hours of fishing, lunch, instant prizes and a chance to catch tagged fish for cash prizes,” said Layfield.

Registration is required for all participants and can be completed online or in person at Peterborough Canadian Tire locations. Those who register by Thursday are eligible for some of the $4,000 in early bird prizes.

“We’re looking forward to seeing both familiar faces and new participants,” said Layfield. “The derby is a great way to bring the community together and get kids excited about fishing and the outdoors.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.