Shawnee National Forest Invites Public to Annual Youth Fishing Derby
Date/Time
Date(s) - 05/16/2026
8:00 am
Location
Oakwood Bottoms
Categories
Save the date – Saturday, May 16, 2026
HARRISBURG, IL, April 17, 2026— The Shawnee National Forest invites the public to
attend the annual children’s fishing derby May 16, 2026, at Oakwood Bottoms Interpretive Site,
Grand Tower, Illinois.
This is a free event, open to children ages five to 15; children must be accompanied by an adult.
No fishing license is required, and some bait will be provided. Participants are encouraged to
bring their own equipment and bait if they have it. Prizes will be awarded in various categories.
Registration begins at 8 a.m. Participants begin fishing at 8:30 a.m. and lunch will be provided.
The event will be held rain or shine.
This event is made possible by the Friends of the Shawnee National Forest, Friends of Turkey
Bayou, Wildlife Forever, Ducks Unlimited, National Wild Turkey Federation, Little Egypt
Longbeards Chapter NWTF, Graphics Galore, Timberline, Illinois Extension, Illinois
Department of Natural Resources, Corp of Engineers-Rend Lake and other local businesses.
For more information, please contact the Mississippi Bluffs Ranger Station at 618-833-8576 or
visit our website.