$20 tag
BASS LAKE – Anglers had a chance to snag big money at the annual Bass Lake Fishing Derby, held on Saturday and Sunday, May 5 and 6 and ultimately, the really big fish — worth $10k and $5k — got away. The annual event is sponsored by the Bass Lake Chamber of Commerce, and kicks off the summer season at the popular lake.
Released into the lake prior to the tournament were 847 fish worth $20, 150 worth $100, 1 fish worth $5000, and 2 “grand prize” fish worth $10,000 each.
In a show of solidarity, the Madera County Board of Supervisors waived boat registration fees for the weekend for anyone participating in the derby — and there were many! By 10 a.m. on Saturday, the lake was spotted with a variety of fishing vessels including kayaks, canoes, skiffs, bass boats, and what we think was a guy with a lawn chair on a giant paddle board.
These guys didn’t get to go out and play but they’re waiting now!
Conspicuously absent were fast-moving vehicles, as the fisher-people, residents, merchants and visitors have decided, collectively, to eschew all the noisy engines during the derby, in favor of a quiet day at the lake. It was heavenly.
It’s great to see the water up so high this year. There’s a buoyancy to not just the docks and floats on the lake, but to the step of locals and visitors, alike. Seems like it’s shaping up to be a very good summer at Bass Lake.
Derby Results
187 – $20 fish were caught and 30 – $100 fish were caught.
According to Rule #10 for registered participants of the Bass Lake Fishing Derby, “if the three grand prize fish are not caught during Derby Weekend, they will be worth $500 through June 30, 2018.”
Good luck, pre-registered anglers!
Bass Lake is located about 20 minutes south of the Highway 41 Entrance to Yosemite National Park, and just over an hour north of Fresno. Located in the Sierra National Forest, its scenery and plentiful activities make it a popular retreat during the spring and summer months. The lake boasts a wide range of lodging, from camping up to a full service resort and luxurious vacation rentals, as well as an array of dining and shopping options moment from shore.
For more, visit www.YosemiteThisYear.com/basslake.
Visit Yosemite Madera County
Visit Yosemite Madera County
This was in the morning down toward the far end of the lake — calm before busy and always beautiful
