(Editor's note: The 2025 Kids’ Trout Fishing Derby has been canceled due to winter weather.)
FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. — Fort Leonard Wood’s 2025 Kids’ Trout Fishing Derby is scheduled to take place Feb. 22 at Stone Mill Spring Recreation Area, located off FLW 26, near Piney Valley Golf Course.
According to John Brant, a fisheries biologist with the Directorate of Public Works’ Natural Resources Branch, the derby provides the opportunity for anglers ages 15 and younger to earn prizes by catching any of the tagged rainbow trout the Missouri Department of Conservation adds to the spring prior to the event.
Registration begins at 9 a.m., and the derby — organized by DPW's Natural Resources Branch, in cooperation with the Outdoor Adventure Center, U.S. Forest Service and the Missouri Department of Conservation — is slated from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Brant said the event is free and no pre-registration is required, although an adult must accompany the participants. Parking will be available near the Piney Valley Golf Course along FLW 26, and volunteers will be on hand to direct traffic. Vans will be available to shuttle participants from the parking area to the event.
All fishing permit requirements are waived for this special youth-only event, and up to three trout may be kept, Brant said. Any natural, prepared or artificial bait may be used during the derby, but only one fishing pole per angler is allowed to help minimize crowding along the shoreline.
Participants are asked to bring their own fishing gear, but a limited number of fishing poles and some basic tackle will be available to borrow at the event on a first-come, first-serve basis, Brant said.
Adults are welcome to give young anglers fishing tips and encouragement, but they will not be allowed to fish themselves.
“Parents and guardians can help youngsters bait hooks and cast, but they must allow the child the fun and thrill of reeling in the trout by themselves,” Brant said.
According to Jeffrey Barrett, Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Business and Recreation chief, representatives from the Outdoor Adventure Center will be at the spring to provide free hot dogs and refreshments.
“This event showcases the community’s dedication to provide recreational outlets for service members and their families. This also gives young anglers the experience and joys of fishing, while providing them with the opportunity to learn a lifelong skill,” Barrett said. “It is always amazing to see the smiles on the families’ faces.”
To make sure everybody is smiling no matter what the temperature is, participants are reminded to check the forecast and dress for the weather.
“February weather can be quite cold or warm on any given day – or a range of both extremes in the same day – so please dress accordingly,” Brant said.
Children and adults will be allowed to fish after the derby ends, Brant added. However, the area will revert to the normal Missouri Wildlife Code regulations. Both Missouri and trout permits will be required after the derby and the daily limit per person stays at three.
For additional information, visit MWR’s website.
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