June 10, 2023

Get ready to reel in some fun at one of the most beloved events in Sand Springs - The Sand Springs Kids' Fishing Derby! The Parks Department started this exciting tournament back in 1991, and it's been making a splash every year since.

Held at the historic Sand Springs Lake, this catch-and-release style tournament is the perfect chance to show off your angling skills. And with Woody's Bait and Tackle providing all the live bait, you'll be sure to catch a big one.

For over 25 years, the Sand Springs Kids' Fishing Derby has stayed true to its roots, keeping the same rules and awards that have made it such a popular event. There are prizes for everything from the smallest to the largest fish and even the biggest turtle! And with the top-three largest fish in each age division getting a trophy, there's plenty of chances to show off your catch.

The tournament has seen some incredible moments over the years, including Shane Harrison's six-straight first-place wins from 2000 to 2005. And in 2006, the lake was even stocked with catfish and bass to make the competition even fiercer.

But it's not just about the fishing - the Sand Springs Kids' Fishing Derby is a chance to come together as a community and have some fun. Church That Matters took over sponsoring the event from the American Legion in 2012 and continues to keep the lake well stocked while grilling up some delicious eats.

So grab your fishing gear, pack a picnic, and head down to Sand Springs Lake for a day of excitement, entertainment, and plenty of fishy fun. The tournament is held annually, and with each year being more exciting than the last, you won't want to miss out on the action.

Sand Springs Lake Park
1401 East Park Road
Sand Springs, OK 74063

Derby History

Attendance by year:
2019: 200
2018: 100
2017: 300
2016: 200
2010: 225
2009: 200
2004: 75 (Heavy rains)
2003: 192
2000: 106

2019 winners:
Biggest Fish: Owen Russell (14.5 oz)
Smallest Fish: Julianna Romero (0.2)
Biggest Turtle: Peyton Simms (10.75 in)
Age 4-6
1. Briley Blaylock (9.1 oz)
2. Tristen Walker (6.5)
3. Jason Speck (4.3)
Age 7-9
1. Owen Russell (14.5)
2. Alecia Oxidine (11.1)
3. Chandlar Templeton (9.8)
Age 10-20
1. Dalton Lunn (7.9)
2. Bayley Gehri (7.7)
3. Carson Simmons (6.8)

2018 winners:
Biggest Fish: Madison Mayberry (.695 lbs)
Smallest Fish: Jace Nollenburg (.065)
Age 4-6
1. Autumn Gee
2. Addi Blaylock
3. Tyson Kelly
Age 7-9
1. Madison Mayberry
2. Jace Cox
3. Colton Simms
Age 10-12
1. Jackson Stewart
2. Dallas Elifritz
3. Daniel Wynn

2017 winners: 
Biggest Fish: Caden Worthington (3.2 lbs)
Smallest Fish: Ashton Reed (0.9 oz)
Biggest Turtle: Michael Lee (4.6 lbs)
Turtle Race: Michael Lee
4-6 year old
1. Ty Galloway
2. Jaxon Trammel
3. Cannon Ozark
7-9 year old
1. Caden Worthington
2. Carson Simmons
3. Blake Norton
10-12 year old
1. Timmy Potter
2. Brooklyn Taber
3. Andreas Garcia

2016 winners:
Biggest Fish: Myles Bradford
Biggest Turtle: Talan Ozark
4-6 year old
1. Miguel Wilkins
2. Madison Matthews
3. Tyson Kelley
7-9 year old
1. Myles Bradford
2. Peyton Morris
3. Braysen Zickefoose
10-12 year old
1. Dallas Elifrits
2. Ti Swasho
3. Alexis Potter

2009 winners:
Biggest Fish: Trace Fleischman
Other winners: Caitlynn Foster, Shane Knight, Michael Reed, Dash Fleischman, Chris Williams, Zack Lowe, Riley McGee, Bailey Losh, Summer Lewis, Savannah Brayman, Spencer Wright, Noah Lehew, Colton Coyle, Kaleb Nichols, Hunter Rotrammel, Ryker Hufa, Sean Kuenn, Dayne Campfield.