Kids will try to catch the biggest and best trout during the annual fishing derby at Mill Pond on April 12th. Registration begins at 8:30AM with the first lines being allowed in the water at 9:00AM and the derby will run till 11:00AM.
A secret stocking of the pond with 370 pounds of rainbow trout will take place ahead of Derby Day. Recreation Director Steve Benko said it’s a chance for youngsters in town to try their hand at fishing. It’s a nice event for the spring to start with,” Benko said. “We’ve helped out for years, and it’s a fun thing to do. A New Canaan tradition started by The Police Benevolent Association in the early 1970’s, and it was named for former New Canaan Police Officer George Cogswell. The event took a brief hiatus but was restarted about three years ago after Mill Pond was dredged and then refilled. “The fishing derby is a great tradition in New Canaan and definitely says spring is here,” said Tucker Murphy, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce
Children ages 15 and younger (ages 10 and younger must be accompanied by an adult) will compete for special prizes awarded in several categories including the first boy and first girl to catch a fish and the largest fish caught. The event is free to the public and is sponsored by the New Canaan Recreation Department with assistance from the Department of Public Works, The New Canaan Chamber of Commerce, The Kiwanis Club, Police Benevolent Association, New Canaan Fire Dept. and local merchants such as Joe’s Pizza who will be serving pizza and coupons for free ice cream cones from Baskin Robbins. The “fish fund” is always looking for private donations to help with the costs of the event. Anyone wishing to help can send a check to the “Fish Management Fund”, Town of New Canaan – Att: DPW Fish Mgmt., 77 Main Street, New Canaan CT 06840