Yellowhead County, AB (July 9, 2025) – Yellowhead County hosted our eighth annual Kids Can Catch event on July 3 at Millers Lake. Kids Can Catch invites families to enjoy a great evening that introduces new anglers to the sport of fishing, as well as brings those with fishing experience out for an evening of family fun.

“I love seeing all the families come out and spend time together, either trying something new, or participating in an activity that they already enjoy as a family,” said Jina Materi, Yellowhead County’s Recreation Coordinator and organizer for the event.

“We had a great turnout this year, considering it had been storming all day,” added Materi. “The weather cleared up and the sun came out just in time for the event!” Approximately 100 people attended throughout the evening.

Millers Lake was selected as the location for Kids Can Catch in 2018, as it’s a “beautiful stocked (trout) lake that has lots of area for people to spread out and fish, either from the large dock or along the shoreline,” Materi said. Four fish were caught during this year’s event.

Kids without rods or fishing experience were still able to take part, with pre-prepared rods to use during the event and free bait. There were also several volunteers on hand ready to share their own knowledge and experience.

“We are lucky to have so many great community partners for this event,” said Materi. “Including the Alberta Conservation Association (ACA), Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) staff, Fish & Wildlife officers, Alberta Wildfire, and The Edson Fish and Game Association members.”

A free BBQ and snacks were enjoyed by all, and there were several giveaways for participants. Prizes provided by ACA included key chain floats, bobbers, stickers and colouring books, as well as water bottles and drawstring bags. AIS staff handed out stickers and sunglasses, and Alberta Wildfire firefighters also handed out stickers to the young anglers.

A fishing rod raffle was also held. “We provide free rods to use during the event, and then raffled 15 of them off, as well as two tackle boxes,” said Materi. “The kids who won were thrilled to leave with a prize!”

“2025 Kids Can Catch was a great time thanks to all involved. Everyone seemed excited to be out fishing and having a summer BBQ,” Materi said. “We would like to thank all the participants who came out to enjoy the evening, as well as all of the community partners and Alberta Conservation Association for their continued support of our event.”