Maricopa's Family Fishing Derby returns to Pacana Park on Saturday, Oct. 17, with a 90-minute catch-and-release competition for young anglers.
The City of Maricopa says the Stagecoach Days event is open to children and teens ages 5 through 18. Registration costs $10 per participant and includes a fishing pole and bait. The event page lists room for 175 participants, but it does not provide a reliable live count of remaining spots; families should open the registration page to check current availability.
The morning runs from 8 to 11 a.m. at Pacana Park, 19000 N. Porter Road.
The derby schedule
The City's schedule gives families an hour between check-in and the start of fishing:
8 a.m.: Registration opens
9 a.m.: Derby begins
10:30 a.m.: Derby ends
11 a.m.: Winners are announced
Participants have 90 minutes to catch and release as many fish as they can in their age group. The City lists five competition groups: ages 5–6, 7–8, 9–10, 11–12 and 13–18.
Prizes are planned for the winners in each group. The City event page does not list the prize package, so families should not assume a particular award.
Fishing licenses are required for participants age 10 and older
The most important preparation detail is the license rule. The City says every participant age 10 or older must have a fishing license at the event. The license is not included in the $10 registration fee.
Families can review current license options and purchase through the Arizona Game and Fish Department fishing page. Complete that step before event morning if it applies to your participant; the City page does not say licenses will be sold at Pacana Park.
The derby registration includes a pole and bait, so families do not need to buy those items solely to participate. The City does not list whether personal gear may be substituted, so ask the organizer through the registration contact if that affects your plans.
What to bring to Pacana Park
A simple event-morning checklist can prevent a rushed start:
Registration confirmation
Fishing license for each participant age 10 or older
Water and sun protection
Closed-toe shoes that can handle a damp shoreline
Weather-appropriate layers for an early October morning
Patience for check-in and age-group instructions
Check Maricopa's weather page before leaving. Families can also browse Parks & Recreation listings and the OurMaricopa community calendar when comparing the derby with other weekend plans.
How to register
Start from the City's official Family Fishing Derby page and use its registration button. That link opens the City's ActiveNet activity page.
The City describes a 175-participant event, but a posted capacity is not the same thing as 175 spots being available now. Registration can change after this article is prepared. Confirm the participant name, age group, fee and current availability in ActiveNet before making plans around a reserved place.
Pacana Park location
Pacana Park is at 19000 N. Porter Road in Maricopa. The official event page includes a map link. Arriving before the 9 a.m. competition start gives families time for parking, check-in, license questions and event instructions.
This is a youth competition, but the morning can still be useful for a first-time angler. The pole-and-bait inclusion removes two common barriers, while the age-group format keeps younger children from competing directly against older teens.
Quick answers
How much does the derby cost?
The City lists a $10 registration fee per participant.
Who can compete?
Children and teens ages 5 through 18, divided into five age groups.
Does the fee include a fishing license?
No. Participants age 10 and older must have a fishing license, and the City says that cost is separate.
Are a pole and bait included?
Yes. The City says each registered participant receives a fishing pole and bait.
Sources
City of Maricopa — “Stagecoach Days — Family Fishing Derby.” Official event page and registration entry point. Event date Oct. 17, 2026; accessed Oct. 2, 2026.
Arizona Game and Fish Department — “Fishing Licenses.” Official license information. Accessed Oct. 2, 2026.