BASS LAKE – Catch a fish during the 39th Annual Bass Lake Fishing Derby for your chance to win a portion of the more than $55,000 prize money swimming through the clear mountain waters on Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5, 2019.
Grab your friends, family, and fishing poles and head to Bass Lake for the day, when 1,000 tagged rainbow trout are released into the lake for the tournament, each worth varying amounts.
This year’s Derby will provide a lot of fun for the entire family and hopefully a few lucky fisherman will catch all or at least one of the special grand prize fish. Two grand prize fish are worth $10,000 each and one more is worth $5,000. In addition to the top three, there are 150 trout worth $100 each and 847 trout worth $20 each.
Tagged fish photo by Kellie Flanagan
“All in all, entrants have a good chance of walking away with a nice payday,” says Michelle Miller with the Bass Lake Chamber of Commerce and Miller’s Landing Resort. “This is a really fun event to start the busy season here at Bass Lake. The Fishing Derby brings in a lot of families. What better way to bring the family together than fishing at Bass Lake?”
To learn more or to register, follow this link: Bass Lake Fishing Derby
Don’t forget your fishing license. All participants must have in their possession a valid California Fishing License, and must be registered by 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 5. Children under the age of 16 are not required to have a license. Pick up your wristband at any of the three Fishing Derby Headquarters: Miller’s Landing Resort, The Forks Resort, or Bass Lake Boat Rentals.
The Bass Lake Fishing Derby Committee must have you officially registered for you to be eligible for any tagged fish. A copy of your 2019 registration will not be returned to you. Verify your registration at Derby Headquarters on Derby Day(s).
Fishing can be done from the shoreline or by boat. If you don’t have a boat and would like one, no problem, there are several boat rental locations around the lake, starting right at Miller’s Landing.
Photo courtesy of Visit Yosemite Madera County
When you’re done with your fishing excursion, there is plenty more to do. Bass Lake boasts an array of dining and shopping options just moments from shore, as well as lodging from camping to full service resorts and luxurious vacation rentals.
Details
All fish must be caught under the guidelines of current California Fishing Regulations. Maximum three (3) tagged fish may be turned in by a single registered angler per event per day.
Fish must be captured alive, using standard hook and line and standard fishing techniques. No netting, shocking or explosive actions allowed (natural or man-made). One independent witness is required for verification of the three large prize fish.
Photo courtesy of Larry Langley
If less than $1,000 is awarded in prize money during the Fishing Derby Weekend, the difference will be awarded in a random drawing of Fishing Derby Registrants.
Prize fish worth: (2) $10,000, (1) $5,000, (150) $100, (847) $20.
All tagged fish must be brought to one of the Fishing Derby Headquarters as soon as possible on the day of catch for verification. Derby Headquarters close at 9 p.m. Sunday, May 5. To qualify for prizes, participants must be registered and show proper identification.
A person catching any of the three grand prize fish will be paid by check according to insurance company policies. All other prizes will only be awarded on the same day of the catch. Winning contestant may be asked to take and pass a lie detector test upon request to receive payment on grand prize fish, and furnish a social security number to the Bass Lake Chamber of Commerce upon request.
Photo courtesy of Visit Yosemite Madera County
Derby Committee members will be on the lake day and night during the event. Anyone found violating Derby rules will be automatically disqualified from the event and from receiving any prize money.
A voluntary 5 mph speed limit will be requested of all boaters on Derby weekend.
Registration in the Derby does not guarantee each registrant will receive a Derby cap.
No current or former employees, directors, officers, any employees directors, or officers, immediate family members, agents, successors, assignees of the sponsor/client, any promotional company, advertising agency, organization or company involved in any capacity are eligible.
The derby takes place regardless of weather conditions.
Derby Hours: Fishing lines can only be in the water between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. during the two days of the Derby.
Derby Day 2018 — photo by Kellie Flanagan
