Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery hosted the 2026 Reaching for Rainbows Special Needs Kids Fishing Derby! This two-day event invites special needs students from surrounding counties and beyond to wet a line with hopes of catching a trout out of the infamous Hatchery Creek. With numerous volunteers and sponsors supporting the event, many of the students were able to do just that!
The eager anglers were bussed down to the hatchery from Adair, Clinton, Cumberland, Metcalfe, Russell, Warren, and Wayne Counties for a total of 170 (about 85 each day including school staff). Following a morning of fishing, all attendees were welcomed at the picnic pavilion where a free lunch consisting of hamburgers, hotdogs, cookies, chips, and drinks were generously provided by the Friends of Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery, Inc. Both days were filled with success with lots of trout reeled in and memories made! Smokey the Bear and Scout the Trout were crowd favorites, handing out hugs and posing for fun photos.
A special thanks to Tyson Foods, who volunteer to grill the hamburgers and hot dogs. A huge shoutout to the Russell County High School Bass Fishing Team for stepping in to help the students bait the hooks and reel in their keepers! Members of Christian Appalachian Project attended the derby, giving the students a toy to take home. Additionally, each attendee was gifted a T-shirt and special medallion to commemorate the day.
This event would not be possible without our dedicated volunteers, Friends of Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery, Inc., our sponsors, partners, and the incredible support of our community. Thank you to everyone who helped make these two special days such a success!
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