Nearly 50 seniors took advantage of the Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery’s first-ever Catch a Smile senior fishing rodeo on Wednesday at Hatchery Creek.

The event, which lasted from 9 a.m. to noon, mimicked the Children’s Catch-A-Rainbow derby but was for seniors, age 62 and up, according to James Gray, project manager at the hatchery.

“Many of the participants brought their sons to help them so we had around 75 people in all,” he said.

Gray said that many of the seniors caught their limit of trout and that everyone seemed to enjoy the atmosphere.

Siblings Joe Coffey and Shirley Holt, two of the seniors in attendance, said they didn’t catch their limit but had a great time.

“The day was most pleasant,” Holt said. “We really enjoyed our time at the creek.”

Coffey said he loves to trout fish and that the hatchery did a great job hosting the new event so people could get the opportunity to drop a line.

Amanda Patrick, environmental education and outreach specialist, said volunteers from Wolf Creek, along with support and help from the Friends of Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery, Inc and several community businesses and organizations worked to plan and organize a day of wonderful fishing. 

“With a well-stocked creek full of jumping trout, all in attendance had a chance to try their hand at catching their limit,” she said.

All attendees were also treated to a lunch of hamburgers and hot dogs and a chance to win one of many door prizes. 

Overall, more than 40 seniors attended the event as did 18 staff and volunteers, according to Patrick. 

“Additionally, over 35 sponsors donated an estimated $3,000.00 in either cash or items to help ensure the derby was a success while countless other organizations gave of their time and resources, making this event a true example of the positive benefits of partnering,” Patrick said. 

“Through such teamwork, the event occurred with little or no cost to any one agency as well.”

All Kentucky sport fishing regulations will applied to the event and seniors had to bring their own fishing gear and bait.