EPHRATA - Children are invited to go fishing in Ephrata on Saturday.

The Ephrata Lions Club is sponsoring its annual fishing derby at Oasis Park. The event runs from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and children between 4 years old and 14 years old can compete for prizes.

The competition is divided into three age groups, 4 to 6 year olds, 7 to 10 year olds and 11 to 14 year olds. The fish are judged based on length and weight.

"We'll also have a grand prize for the overall largest fish," said Bill Sangster, a Lions Club member. "We have fishing poles and tackle boxes ... One year we had a portable DVD player (for the grand prize.)"

The club also has a pancake breakfast available, costing $3.50 for children and $5 for adults.

The event draws people from across the region, including Moses Lake, Wenatchee, Quincy and Ephrata, Sangster said.

"It's amazing how 5, 5:30 a.m. cars just start surrounding that place," he said. "I usually report that we have about 400 kids ... We try to make it just kids and not parents."

The club receives fish from Trout Lodge, which puts in up to 7-pound fish, Sangster said. The state Department of Fish and Wildlife contributes about 500 fish.

"You ever see a 4-year-old grab a 7.5 pound fish? It's amazing,' he said.

For more information, contact Sangster at 509-750-4196.