PONCA – The 2022 Bill Morris Memorial Fishing derby is this weekend in Ponca among free fishing and park entry day.
According to a release from Ponca State Park, the annual Bill Morris Memorial Fishing Derby is taking place at Ponca State Park on Saturday, May 21.
Ponca State Park invites individuals and families to their annual Bill Morris Memorial Fishing Derby this Saturday between 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Guests are asked to stop into the Resource and Education center for a copy of the event rules and their official derby tape measure.
Anglers are not required to stay for the whole time but are required to have photos of their entries with the designated derby tape measure submitted by email to katie.leware@nebraska.gov by 10:00 p.m.
The Bill Morris Memorial Fishing Derby is open to all ages. Prizes will be awarded to longest Bluegill, Largemouth Bass and Rainbow Trout in three age categories. Age groups include six and under, 7-12 years old and 13 and older.
Bait can be purchased at the Resource and Education Center while loaner fishing poles are also available upon request.
The free fishing derby is in honor of Bill Morris who was an Assistant Superintendent at Ponca State Park from 1973-2010. He had a passion for Ponca State Park, his family and the sport of fishing.
May 21 is also free fishing and park entry day in Nebraska where you can enjoy a Saturday of fishing or state park activities without the need to purchase a fishing or park entry permit for the day.
Free fishing and park entry day is an opportunity for individuals to visit any of Nebraska’s 76 state parks free of charge, and for the day experience Nebraska’s fishing opportunities without a fishing permit
This annual event in Nebraska is held on the Saturday preceding Memorial Day weekend, which means anyone can explore outdoor opportunities at any Nebraska state park, state recreation area or state historical park. Anglers must observe all fishing regulations. Camping, lodging and all other user fees still apply at state park areas. Entrance fees for museums at state historical parks and the entrance fee at the Schramm Education Center remain in effect.
Free park entry and fishing day along with the Bill Morris Memorial Fishing Derby in Ponca, are a great opportunity to participate in the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s Take ‘Em Fishing Challenge, where anglers pledge to take a new or inexperienced angler fishing; then share photos, which in turn will enter them into a contest for prizes.
Visit calendar.outdoornebraska.gov for more information and get more information on parks at outdoornebraska.org.
