Kids’ Fish Art Contest
It’s time to make a splash with creativity and dive into the world of aquatic biodiversity. The 23rd annual Kids’ Fish Art Contest is here! 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. Show off your 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 categories:
- Grades 4 to 6
- Grades 7 to 9
- Grades 10 to 12
For questions regarding the contest, please contact us at FWMarketing@ontario.ca.
Eligibility
The contest is open to all students who are:
- residents of Ontario
- in Grades 4 to 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 largemouth bass or a splake.
Featured fish facts:
Largemouth Bass
Habitat preferences:
- prefers warm water areas with lots of weeds
Size:
- 25 to 55 centimetres (10 to 22 inches) and 0.25 to 2.5 kilograms (0.5 to 5.5 pounds)
Splake
Habitat preferences:
- prefers deep rocky cool waters
Size:
- 25 to 46 centimetres (10 to 18 inches) and 0.45 to 1.35 kilograms (1 to 3 pounds)
Artwork requirements
The artwork must:
- highlight the chosen fish species in its natural habitat
- be the contestant’s original, hand-made creation
Artworks must not exceed 1/4 inches in total thickness and 8 ½ inches by 11 inches in size.
You may use the medium and technique of your choice 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 15, 2025
- contest closes: January 2, 2026
- public vote: February 2026
- announcement of winners: March 2026
How to enter
Download and complete the entry form (PDF)
Entry forms 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 by no later than January 2, 2026.
Selecting and announcing the winners
The winners will be contacted by March 2026. All winning entries will be displayed on this page.
The ministry retains all winning entries. By entering the contest, students consent to the use of their artwork by the ministry for promotional use after the contest closing date, without compensation.
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 vote held on the Facebook page Fish and Wildlife in Ontario of the top 5 artworks from each grade group. The artwork with the highest combined score will win their respective grade group.
Prizes
Winners will each receive a fishing prize pack and tickets to the 2026 Toronto Sportsmen’s Show in March.
22nd annual Kids' Fish Art Contest winners
For the 22nd annual contest, students chose between bluegill and brook trout.
Grades 10 to 12
Raquel W. of Markham, Ontario
Grades 7 to 9
Naomi C. of Markham, Ontario
Grades 4 to 6
Maya J. of Oakville, Ontario
