Joe Scholtz Memorial Free Fishing Derby
Saturday, June 13 @ 9:00 am
Clapp Park
The fishing derby is held during the Saturday of Michigan’s summer free fishing weekend, which in 2026 is June 13.
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 to try their hand at landing the biggest fish. Please be aware, derby participation is limited to shore fishing.
You can pre-register for the derby by completing an online registration form (available May 1-June 1, 2026) or completing a physical copy of the form (click here to download a copy of the registration form) and returning to City Hall. You can also register at the event between 7:30 and 9:00 a.m. All participants (both those who preregister and those who register day-of) must check in at Clapp Park prior to 9:00 a.m. (note: this is a new location for check-in in 2026). Fishing is from 9:00 a.m. to noon.
