Photo of Fishing Fest 2025, where anglers of all ages sit or stand along the banks of the Schuylkill, many with rods extended out over the river.

Philly Fishing Fest 2026

Enjoy a morning of free catch-and-release fishing and friendly competition on Schuylkill Banks!

The Fishing Fest is perfect for anglers of all ages and levels of experience and is ADA accessible. No fishing license is required during the fishing competition, and fishing gear will be available for loan on a first-come, first-served basis.

Saturday, September 12

7am – 11am

Awards Ceremony: 11:30am

Rain Date: September 19, 2026

Schuylkill Banks

Under the Walnut St. bridge

(view map)

RSVP by September 11th ↓
  • Free to the public
  • No fishing license required
  • Fishing gear available to borrow
  • Prizes awarded in various categories
  • Meet on Schuylkill Banks
  • (view map)
  • Catch and release
  • Bring your own snacks & refreshments

Rules

  1. This is a catch and release only event.
  2. Because eels are a sensitive species and very hard to measure we have decided that any eel caught should be released immediately and not be counted in the competition, nor can they be used as bait.
  3. Participants are limited to using only 1 rod per registered person.
  4. All fish need to be checked in to the measuring stations to be eligible for prizes.
  5. Fishing from the shore is the only approved fishing location (no boats are to be used).
  6. Prize categories are both random and species/size specific. You must be present to receive a prize.
  7. All participants must abide by all applicable regulations of the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission.
  8. Any legal bait may be used.
  9. All trash must be bagged and placed in the proper bins.

Tips

  • Keep your fish on the hook and bring to the measuring station.
  • Do not handle fish with a rag or gloves. They have a protective coating on their scales that keep them healthy!
  • Keep fish off the grass and dirt.
  • Single hook fishing only (using more than one hook endangers the smaller, more delicate fish).
  • Fishing takes patience, and you can’t catch fish if your hook is spinning in the air. Get bait on the hook and keep it in the water.
  • Bottom fishing vs. bobber fishing:
    • Bottom fishing is a great way to catch some of those larger catfish, but it can be difficult to feel when a fish is biting on the line and it easier to snag rocks/logs on the bottom.
    • Bobber fishing gives the advantage to see when a fish strikes the bait and snags don’t occur as often, but you have to reel in the line when it gets pushed downstream by the current and you are less likely to catch the larger fish in the river with this method.
Download these Rules & Tips

RSVP Now!

Online pre-registration is open until noon on Friday, September 11th.

Participant information

Please provide the cell number where we can reach the participant during the event.

Name of the person who will be with the participant that can be reached at this number, if not the participant.

Rules & release

Every participant must agree to follow the rules listed above and have a signed waiver in order to participate (participants under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign).

RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND RESPONSIBILITY

I, for myself or my child if she/he is under 18 years of age, in consideration for permission to participate in Philly Fun Fishing Fest, hereby agree for and on behalf of myself, my personal representatives, employer, executors, administrators, heirs, and assigns, to release, waive, and forever discharge the City of Philadelphia, its employees, officers, agents, contractors, and representatives, and any partners or sponsors of Philly Fun Fishing Fest, from any and all claims for damages for any and all types of economic loss or injury to person or property, including crippling or catastrophic injury or death, however, wherever, or whenever it may occur, as a result of my participation in Philly Fun Fishing Fest.

I am aware of the potential risks and hazards inherent in fishing from the banks of the Schuylkill River. I am participating in Philly Fun Fishing Fest voluntarily, knowing that the Schuylkill River banks and adjacent land and water may pose tripping, falling, drowning, and other hazards. I am also aware of the potential risks and hazards inherent in my voluntary use of any of the City’s fishing equipment, including but not limited to rods, reels, lines, and hooks.

I voluntarily assume all risks of loss, damage, or injury, including death, that may be sustained while participating in Philly Fun Fishing Fest, whether such loss, damage, or injury is due to the act, omission, or negligence of the City, its employees, officers, agents, contractors, or representatives, or any partners or sponsors of Philly Fun Fishing Fest, or otherwise.

I further acknowledge and agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the City, its employees, officers, agents, contractors, and representatives, and any partners or sponsors of Philly Fun Fishing Fest, against any claims, acts, or proceedings based upon or related to my participation in Philly Fun Fishing Fest.

I further agree that I am in proper physical condition to participate in Philly Fun Fishing Fest, and that if at any time I believe the conditions are unsafe, I will immediately stop my participation in Philly Fun Fishing Fest.

Participants over the age of 18 can sign the release at check in, but you may also print the release form for them to review and sign in advance.

Use your mouse or touchscreen to draw your signature in the box.

Pre-registration is closed, but you can still come and register at the event!