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GRAFTON - Families gathered Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Pere Marquette State Park near Grafton for the 37th annual Two Rivers Family Fishing Fair, a free event designed to connect children and families with fishing and other outdoor activities.
Hosted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge, and Pere Marquette State Park, the fair took place June 6, 2026, along Illinois Route 100. Attendees were able to fish for free, try a range of outdoor activity stations, and hear from returning guest speakers and entertainers.
The annual fair featured a catch-and-release bluegill pond where children could have their photograph taken with their catch, a One-Cast station where everyone won a prize, and bow fishing stations where children could shoot at moving targets in a pool or at a 3D target. Children who completed at least seven stations received a prize and had the chance to catch a trout in the trout pond.
A 4,000-gallon mobile aquarium stocked with many fish species found in the Illinois and Mississippi rivers was also on site.
Among the returning guests was Hall of Fame fisherman Jimmy Houston, who entertained the crowd with his “wit and wisdom” about fishing and the outdoors. Tim Guraedy, known as “Mountain Man” from the television show “Duck Dynasty,” and “Camo the Clown” also returned. New musical entertainment featured “Steve and Jackie of Outlaw Opry.” Food was available for purchase throughout the day.
“We want to get kids hooked on fishing, and the Family Fishing Fair helps connect kids and families to fun outdoor activities,” said Scott Isringhausen, Illinois Department of Natural Resources urban fishing coordinator, who said this is his favorite event of his longtime legendary IDNR career.
Isringhausen said sponsor support helps keep the event free for families.
“Thanks to our generous sponsors, we can continue to offer this free event. We are very fortunate to have the support of the Phillips 66 Wood River Refinery as a Premier Sponsor, along with Farm and Home Supply, the Jersey County Board, Jerseyville Walmart, State Farm Insurance of Jerseyville, Carrollton, and Godfrey, and many others,” he said.
There was no charge to attend the Two Rivers Family Fishing Fair or to catch a fish, and parking was free. No fishing license or fishing gear was needed to participate.
