The fishing derby is held during the Saturday of Michigan’s summer free fishing weekend, which in 2023 is June 10.

This event has been hosted with great success for more than twenty years! In 2012, the derby was re-named the Joe Scholtz Memorial Fishing Derby in honor of the former Mayor of St. Louis and the founder, organizer and driving force behind this wonderful day for the community. Joe passed away in 2011.

Hundreds of people typically visit the Pine River in St. Louis’s Leppien Park to try their hand at landing the biggest fish. Please be aware, derby participation is limited to shore fishing.

Please pre-register for the derby by completing the registration form (download from the link, from the folder on this page, or pick-up a physical copy at City Hall) and returning to City Hall or by filling out this online registration form. [Online registration closed at 1:00 p.m. on June 9th; you can register at the event before beginning fishing.] Participants must check into Leppien Park prior to 9:00 a.m. Fishing is from 9:00 a.m. to noon.