Aila Boyd
The City of Salem Parks & Recreation Department will once again host the Ernest “Pig” Robertson Fishing Rodeo at Lake Spring Park, marking the 74th year of the longtime spring tradition.
The four-day fishing event will offer opportunities for young anglers, as well as special days for children with special needs and nursing home residents. The rodeo is free for area children.
Participants must provide their own fishing equipment. During the Saturday children’s events, adults may not fish for the children. Each child may catch up to six trout and must keep all fish they reel in.
Special needs and nursing home fishing days will return in 2026. Participants and organizations taking part in either of those days must pre-register.
Prizes will be awarded throughout the event, and the top anglers during each Saturday session will receive a trophy. “The Tailgate” food truck will also be on site during the rodeo.
This year’s event is sponsored by Bank of Botetourt, the Salem Kiwanis Club, Re/Max Real Estate One and Renewal by Andersen.
The schedule is as follows:
• Children ages 3-8: Saturday, April 25, from 9 a.m. to noon
• Special needs children: Monday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to noon
• Nursing home residents: Wednesday, April 29, from 10 a.m. to noon
• Children ages 9-12: Saturday, May 2, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Lake Spring Park is located at the corner of West Main Street and Green Street.
For more information, contact the Salem Parks & Recreation Department at 540-375-3057.
