Participants in the Joe Scholtz Memorial Free Fishing Derby must register for the event. This annual event is scheduled during Michigan's Free Fishing Weekend, so no fishing license is required to participate. It is sponsored by St. Louis VFW Post #3055 & Auxiliary. The deadline to preregister is June 1, 2026. After that registration must be completed in person at the event.
All ages are welcome. For prize purposes, participants are grouped by age: 1-6 years, 7-12 years, 13-17 years, and Adult.
Participants are restricted to shore fishing only. Fishing is from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon with award presentation to follow.
BEFORE FISHING GO TO CLAPP PARK TO GET YOUR INSTRUCTIONS & FREE SHIRT if you Pre-Register by June 1st, 2026!
Prizes are awarded by length of fish and most fish caught. Everyone who enters the derby will receive a prize, in addition to the winners of each age group.
The award presentation occurs at approximately 1:00 p.m. at Clapp Park. Free hot dogs, chips & water are provided.
You can preregister using the form below (available May 1-June 1, 2026), or you can fill out a print form (available for pick-up at City Hall or to download HERE) and return it City Hall by June 1, 2026. For more information, call Nicole Koutz at (989) 620-6425 or Jeff Hoover at (989) 400-9738.
If you missed the online registration deadline or the drop-off deadline for City Hall, you can register AT the event between 7:30 and 9:00 a.m. Reminder: Registration must occur BEFORE you begin fishing.