COLUMBIA CITY — The third annual Family Trout Fishing Derby will be held from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, April 16, at Morsches Park, Columbia City.

The event is free. No fishing license or trout stamp is required because Saturday, April 16, is one of four Free Fishing days offered by the DNR.

Before April 16, the DNR will stock approximately 400 rainbow trout in the pond at the park’s north end. The trout will measure about 10 inches long. No trout fishing will be allowed until Saturday morning.

DNR staff will be on hand to lend fishing poles to anglers under age 18. Bait will be available and staff will offer instruction for beginners.

Prizes will be awarded to youth anglers who catch the largest trout and register their fish on site at the time of their catch.

The event is sponsored by the Columbia City Wal-Mart, Pro Tackle Outfitters, and the Jim “Moose” Carden Kids Fishing Clinic. The event is hosted by the Columbia City Parks Department.

The pond has a fishing pier and open access for shore fishing. A restroom facility will be open and ample parking space is available.

The limit will be five trout per angler.

“We want families to come out and experience trout fishing,” said Tyler Delauder, DNR assistant fisheries biologist. “It is fun, easy, and you can take your trout home to eat. We will even show you how to clean the fish.” 

For more information, call (260) 244-6805.