Kids’ Fish Art Contest
It’s time for students to make a splash with creativity and dive into the world of aquatic biodiversity with the 24th annual Kids’ Fish Art Contest. Find contest details, resources and read about last year’s winners.
How it works
Ontario students are invited to enter the Kids’ Fish Art Contest that lets them show off their artistic talents and learn about Ontario’s fish and their habitats.
Winners will be chosen by a panel of judges and a public vote. There is 1 winner for each of the following 3 grade categories:
- Grades 4–6
- Grades 7–9
- Grades 10–12
For questions regarding the contest, contact us at FWMarketing@ontario.ca.
Eligibility
The contest is open to all students who are:
- residents of Ontario
- in grades 4–12
- currently attending elementary, secondary or homeschooled
Only 1 entry per student will be accepted. All entries must include:
- a completed entry form signed by a parent or guardian
- the original artwork that complies with our requirements
Fish species selection
Students have the choice of picking between a walleye or a northern pike.
Featured fish facts
Walleye
Northern pike
Walleye habitat preferences:
- a range of river and lake conditions
- from cold, clear water to warm, weedy and stained water
- soft mud bottoms to flooded timber, rubble or bedrock
- preferred cover is weed, wood, rock
Northern pike habitat preferences:
- vegetated bays, creek mouths and shoals of lakes where they can ambush prey
- deep water in the summer to avoid higher water temperatures, except in northern areas
Walleye size:
- typical length: 35.5–58.4 centimetres (14–23 inches)
- typical weight: 0.68–1.36 kilograms (1.5–3 pounds)
- Ontario record: 10.1 kilograms (22.3 pounds)
Northern pike size:
- length: 45–75 centimetres (18–30 inches)
- weight: 0.9–4.3 kilograms (2–9.5 pounds)
- Ontario record: 19.1 kilograms (42.1 pounds)
Artwork requirements
The artwork must:
- highlight the chosen fish species in its natural habitat
- be the contestant’s original, hand-made creation
- be under ¼“ in total thickness and 8 ½ X 11” in size
You may use the medium and technique of your choosing, such as:
- acrylics
- oil
- watercolour
- crayon
- pencil crayon
- markers
- collage
- printmaking
Photographs, tracing and computer-generated artwork will not be accepted.
No lettering, signatures or initials may appear on the front of the design.
Key dates
- Contest opens: October 6, 2026.
- Contest closes: January 2, 2027.
- Announcement of winners: March 2027.
How to enter
An entry form must be completed, signed by a parent or guardian and attached to the back of the artwork.
Entry forms and artwork submissions must be postmarked and mailed to the address provided in the entry form no later than January 2, 2027.
Selecting and announcing the winners
We will contact the winners by March 2027. All winning entries will be displayed on this page.
Judging criteria
Artwork entries will be judged based on the following criteria.
- Artistic expression: judges will evaluate how well the artwork demonstrates the principles of art — balance, contrast, emphasis, movement, repetition, rhythm and unity.
- Fish anatomy: judges will assess the accuracy and detail of the fish's anatomy depicted in the artwork.
- Accurate habitat: judges will examine how accurately the artwork represents the fish's natural habitat.
Judging process
A panel of Fish and Wildlife Program staff will evaluate submissions and select the top artworks for each grade group using the judging criteria. The judges’ selections account for 75% of the total score. The remaining 25% of the score will come from a public Facebook vote of the top 5 artworks from each grade group. The artwork with the highest combined score will win their respective grade group.
Prizes
Three winners will each receive 2 prizes:
- a $200 SAIL gift card, redeemable in-store or online
- tickets to attend the March 2027 Toronto Sportsmen's Show in person
23rd annual Kids’ Fish Art Contest winners
For the 23rd annual contest, students chose between largemouth bass and splake.
