As part of Indiana’s Free Fishing Weekend, the City of Elkhart will host the Elkhart Family Fish Fest in Downtown Elkhart on Saturday, June 4.

This event has two major components: an all day Family Fishing Derby that starts at 7:00am and a Fish Themed Picnic with activities in the evening.

Fishing Derby – Registration for the fishing derby is from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the NIBCO Water and Ice Park. Fishing ends at 5:00pm with an Award Ceremony and Prizes at 7 p.m. at Central Park. Competitors can form teams with family and friends and awards will be based on the average age of participants. Free bait and tackle will be provided and fishing poles are available for free use. Fishing is allowed in any park in downtown Elkhart and at McNaughton Park.

Fish Themed Picnic – A fish themed picnic with fun for the whole family will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Central Park. Attractions include live music, a beer garden, and fish dinners that will be available for purchase by Jonah Fish Fry. There will also be a Kids Zone that includes lure painting, minnow races, casting activities, and Jumbo Games. The picnic will be capped off with the Fishing Derby Award Ceremony at 7 p.m.