Youth Fishing Derby welcomes families back to Cascade Lake on April 25

A favorite island tradition returns this spring as the Bill Yarlott Annual Youth Fishing Derby takes place on Saturday, April 25, 2026, inviting young anglers and their families to spend the day outdoors at Cascade Lake.

Timed with the opening of fishing season, the derby offers kids under 16 the chance to cast their lines starting at daybreak and take part in a relaxed, community-centered event that has been bringing families together for more than 30 years.

The morning includes a free pancake breakfast at 9:00 a.m., followed by a trout weigh-in at 11:00 a.m., where participants can celebrate their catches and take home prizes. The event is designed to be welcoming for all skill levels—from first-time fishers to seasoned young anglers.

The derby honors the legacy of Bill Yarlott, whose efforts to stock Cascade Lake with Kokanee trout and help establish the original hatchery continue to shape the local fishing experience today. The nearby Moran Creek Kokanee Hatchery stands as a testament to his lasting contributions.

In partnership with the Jeffrey G. Pyne Free Fishing Weekend, the event also helps remove barriers to participation by providing free fishing rods and tackle to children (while supplies last—and yes, they get to keep them). The initiative reflects a shared goal of getting more kids outside and connected to the natural world.

Hosted and sponsored by Orcas Adventures, and supported by local volunteers and businesses, the derby is less about competition and more about community—encouraging kids to try something new, spend time outdoors, and create lasting memories.

• Event Details:
• What: Bill Yarlott Annual Youth Fishing Derby
• Who: Children under 16
• When: Saturday, April 25, 2026
• Where: Cascade Lake Day Use Shelter, Orcas Island
• Fishing Begins: Daybreak
• Free Pancake Breakfast: 9:00 a.m.
• Weigh-In: 11:00 a.m.
• Host & Sponsor: Orcas Adventures

Families are encouraged to come out, enjoy the day, and be part of this welcoming island tradition.