Students catch trout at special needs fishing derby
Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery hosted the 2026 Reaching for Rainbows Special Needs Kids Fishing Derby for special needs students on October 23, 2026.
About 175 eager anglers arrived daily by bus from Adair, Clinton, Cumberland, Metcalfe, Russell, Warren, and Wayne Counties to fish in Hatchery Creek. They spent two days hoping to catch a trout while enjoying the supportive atmosphere of the event.
After fishing, attendees gathered at a picnic pavilion for a free lunch of hamburgers, hotdogs, cookies, chips, and drinks provided generously by local friends. This meal ensured everyone remained comfortable and happy throughout the long days of fishing activities.
Crowd favorites Smokey the Bear and Scout the Trout handed out hugs and posed for fun photos with the smiling children. Russell County High School Bass Fishing Team members helped bait hooks and reel in keepers for the students.
Members of the Christian Appalachian Project gave each student a toy to take home as a special gift. Every attendee also received a commemorative T-shirt and medallion to remember this wonderful day spent together with volunteers.