Catch-a-Rainbow Kids Fishing Derby – June 4, 2022
Written by: Ray Peabody
It’s time for the 34th Annual
Catch-a-Rainbow Kids Fishing Derby,
June 4,
Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery
at beautiful Lake Cumberland.
This free annual event is open to children ages 1-15 with lots of family-friendly activities, free hot dogs and other treats…not to mention door prizes as well as prizes for the largest fish!
The event coincides with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources Free Fishing Weekend – residents and non-residents may enjoy fishing in Kentucky waters without a license or permit. 
Free fishing for everyone on Lake Cumberland or the Cumberland River!
Catch-a-Rainbow Kids Fishing Derby starts at 9:00 a.m. with scheduled age-appropriate time slots throughout the day. Remember, kids fishing in the Derby must register at least 30 minutes before their age level slot.
9:00 – 10:00 Ages 5-6
10:15 – 11:15 Ages 7-8
11:30 – 12:30 Ages 9-10
12:45 – 1:45 Ages 11-12
2:00 – 3:00 Ages 13-15
For children ages 5 and up, bring your own rods and tackle—fly rods are not allowed!
Kid’s Fishing Pool is open 9:00- 12:00 for Children ages 1-4
Poles will be furnished for kiddie pool ONLY
This family-focused annual event is made possible by the Friends of Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery, a nonprofit organization that raises funds and helps to plan and organize the Catch-A-Rainbow Kids Fishing Derby, as well as other events such as Wounded Warriors Fishing Event, Catch-a-Smile Senior Derby, Reaching for Rainbows Special Needs Kids Fishing Derby and other events. The organization’s goal for the Catch-a-Rainbow Derby is to make children aware of the hatchery and encourage them to appreciate and participate in our outdoor environment.
Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery Education Center
The Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery Visitor and Environmental Education Center provides exhibits, classrooms, an indoor theater, and gift shop as a learning resource for visitors, teachers and children.
Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery
The hatchery is located near the Wolf Creek Dam at beautiful Lake Cumberland, in Jamestown, Russell County, Kentucky, just a little over two hours from Louisville, or Nashville, Tennessee.
Camping at Lake Cumberland
If you’re thinking about staying a few days for some of the best fishing in Kentucky or for summer fun on Lake Cumberland or simply enjoying the natural beauty of Lake Cumberland State Resort Park, there are plenty of places to stay nearby. Be sure to make your reservations in advance for camp sites or cabins or at the lovely Lure Lodge at Lake Cumberland State Resort Park.
Boat rentals—including houseboats—are available at surrounding marinas on the lake. Lake Cumberland is known as the Houseboat Capital of the World!
You’ll be hooked on fishing and hooked on Lake Cumberland!
Request a Visitor Guide
