Village Green Park to host family-friendly event stocked with fresh fish, prizes, and outdoor excitement

EL DORADO HILLS – Calling all young anglers! One of the most popular outdoor youth events of the season is making a splash once again as the sixth annual Youth Fishing Derby returns to El Dorado Hills on Saturday, May 17. Hosted by the El Dorado Hills Community Services District in partnership with the El Dorado County Fish and Game Commission and the Serrano Homeowners Association, this fun-filled derby is set to reel in plenty of excitement for kids ages 3 to 15.

The event is also sponsored by local State Farm agent Nick Bertetta, whose support helps make this community tradition possible for families across the region.

Held at the scenic Village Green Park, the derby invites children to cast a line into a freshly stocked pond and try their luck at catching the longest fish. But it’s not just about the big catch—this event is all about family fun, a love for the outdoors, and a chance to learn about nature and conservation in a safe, encouraging environment.

Whether you’re a seasoned young angler or holding a fishing pole for the very first time, the Youth Fishing Derby is a perfect way to kick off the summer season. Participants can look forward to a morning filled with contests, outdoor education, and chances to win raffle prizes. And don’t worry about having a fishing license—none is required for this event.

To make the most of the day, bring your own fishing gear, including a pole and bait or lures of your choice. There’s a four-fish maximum for official measurements, but there’s no limit to how many you can catch for fun. Just make sure to follow the catch-and-release rules—and no boats, floats, or rafts are allowed, so keep those feet on the shore!

Two sessions are available, but due to the event’s popularity, pre-registration is required and space is limited. Participants must choose just one session and arrive early for check-in. Session 1 begins with check-in at 7:15 a.m., followed by fishing from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. Session 2 check-in opens at 9:30 a.m., with fishing running from 10:15 to 11:45 a.m.

The derby takes place at Village Green Park, located at 4655 Serrano Parkway in El Dorado Hills. It’s a beautiful spot to enjoy the fresh air, friendly competition, and celebrate the great outdoors with the whole family. Best of all, it’s completely free—just don’t forget to sign up in advance to reserve your spot. Ready to register or want to learn more? Visit the official event registration page here.

Copyright © 2025, Folsom Times, a digital product of All Town Media LLC. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the publisher.