Redmond Fish Fair

Redmond Fish Fair
May 21, Dawn – 2 p.m.
For children age 13 and under and the disabled
Fireman’s Lake, SW Lake Court and Lake Road

Traditionally the annual Redmond fishing fair/derby at Fireman’s Lake has been held the same April Saturday as opening weekend of the high lakes fishing season, one known for chilly temperatures.
This year, however, the Redmond Volunteer Fire Fighters Association and their other sponsors are moving the event to the end of May. The move was made to try to get warmer weather, said Fire Marshal Traci Cooper, Redmond Fire and Rescue.
Last year between 110 and 125 people, parents and children, braved a chill wind and temperatures that started below freezing and topped out in the low 50s, to catch fish and eat hot dogs and hot chocolate for lunch.
In preparation for the big day, the association has started burning cattails and cleaning up around the lake, Cooper said. And warm or chilly, the lake will be stocked with thousands of 6- to 12-inch trout ready for catching at the May 21 fish fair.

Fireman's Lake history
Fireman’s Lake began life in the early 20th century as a watering hole for sheep brought into town to be shipped out by rail. In the early 1950s it became the irrigation pond for the nearby original Juniper Golf Course.
The water body got the name Lion’s Pond after the Lions Club adopted it and promoted its use as a fishing spot for kids. The club kept the cattails at bay and maintained the pond and its banks.
Eventually Redmond’s volunteer fire fighters took over stocking the pond with fish and holding the annual fish fair and the name changed to Fireman’s Lake.
Today, Fireman’s Lake is a 5.77-acre city park, with a walking path, picnic tables, and ADA-accessible fishing for children age 13 and under and the disabled. It’s also home to waterfowl and other birds.