Join Us for the Annual Powder Mills Park Fish Derby on Saturday, April 4, 2026
Big News from The Riedman Foundation!
We’re thrilled to share something families have been asking for—and the Trustees listened! For years, many of you wondered why our beloved Annual Fishing Derby was held on April 1 (originally the day of Trout Season to begin) instead of a weekend. That tradition began back in 2003, when the Foundation stepped in to keep the Fish Hatchery running after county budget cuts forced its closure. Our founder always joked that kids skipping school for the derby were simply on a “field trip.”
Times change—and so do family needs. We understand that many parents prefer not to pull their kids out of school, and we’re happy to announce a new tradition is being born.
Starting in 2026, the Riedman Foundation Annual Fishing Derby will officially be held on the first Saturday of April!
Please mark your calendars for Saturday, April 4 and come experience one of Monroe County’s favorite community traditions! The Powder Mills Park Fish Hatchery’s Annual Fish Derby, hosted by The Riedman Foundation, is a fun, safe, and educational event that introduces kids and families to fishing, outdoor recreation, and environmental stewardship.
Don’t miss this chance to make memories, connect with nature, and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.
💡 Learn while you fish! Participants get hands-on experience with fish, aquatic habitats, and responsible angling—all while appreciating the natural beauty of Powder Mills Park.
💰 Prizes Galore! First place wins $500 cash (generously supported by Bank of America), plus four-hour boat charters and many more prizes from local partners.
🎟️ Low-Cost Fun for Everyone: Ages 9+ pay just $5 to participate, and kids 8 and under are free!
Registration is required and will be posted in the next few weeks. Stay tuned!
The 92-year-old Fish Hatchery at Powder Mills Park, established in 1933 as a cooperative effort between the U.S. Bureau of Fisheries and Monroe County, has long been a treasured community resource. Although it was closed in December 2002 due to county budget cuts, it reopened in fall 2003 thanks to a partnership with The Riedman Foundation, which continues to support staffing, maintenance, operations, and capital improvements.
Open year-round and free to visit, the hatchery offers a unique opportunity to observe brown and rainbow trout species at different stages of development, from baby fish (known as troutlets) to those up to five years old. With staff on duty Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and most weekends from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., visitors of all ages can enjoy an educational and interactive experience. Guests can even participate by feeding the fish—just be sure to bring your quarters for the fish food dispensers!
Click here for more information about the history of the Fish Hatchery at Powder Mills Park.
The Riedman Foundation, in conjunction with the Pittsford Chamber of Commerce and the Pittsford Rotary, held a ribbon cutting on November 2, 2018 to unveil a new kiosk at the Powder Mills Park Fish Hatchery. Click here for more information.