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“Close to Home” Fishing Program Kicks off with a Fishing Derby for Kids, Saturday, Oct. 23

10/6/2021
This article was archived on 10/24/2021

Tulsa Parks, in partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC), will kick off their “Close to Home” fishing program, with a fishing derby for kids, ages six to 15 years old.  

The derby will be held Saturday, October 23, at the Hunter Park pond, 5804 E. 91st Street, from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. 

Registration begins at 7 a.m. The fishing will be from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. 

Participants will compete in three age groups – six to nine, 10 to 12, and 13 to 15 years old. The event will be limited to 50 participants. Participants will need to bring their fishing equipment. Only catch-and-release is allowed. A fishing license is not required for this event.  

Social distancing protocols will be in place. It is asked that participants wear masks when they are around others outside of their group.  

A prize will be rewarded for the heaviest fish in each age category.  


“Close to Home” Program 

The ODWC’s “Close to Home” Fishing Program aims to provide quality fishing opportunities in urban areas, by managing fisheries in town where parents can take their kids for a successful fishing trip.  

The program is made up of ponds in metro areas meant to be a short drive for families that want to go fishing, but don’t have the time to get out of town for the day.   

The program is currently offered at three Tulsa Parks – Hunter Park, Braden Park, and two ponds inside Mohawk Park by the horse stables. 

Each pond is intensely managed and receives extra attention when it comes to fish stocking, harvest, special events, angler access, and water quality.