Blake Jones Trout Derby
2026-03-21 | Tri-County Fairgrounds & Event Center, 475 Sierra Street, Bishop, CA, 93514, United States
Blake Jones Trout Derby
SATURDAY – MARCH 21, 2026 IN BISHOP, CA
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ONLINE – EVENTBRITE
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Every year, nearly $10,000 worth of cash and prizes are awarded, including float tubes, rods & reels, gift certificates to local shops and restaurants, and more. The Blake Jones derby is a blind bogey format with categories for adults and kids of all ages. In addition to the blind bogey awards, there will be prizes for early bird registrations, biggest fish, and even prizes for those who choose to catch & release. Registration, weigh-in, and awards ceremony will be at downtown Bishop’s Eastern Sierra Tri-County Fairgrounds. Fishing locations include Pleasant Valley Reservoir and the Owens River near Bishop. The Bishop Chamber will arrange for supplemental stocking of fish purchased from Wright’s Rainbows before the derby. “We want to make sure there are plenty of fish for everyone,” explains April Kress, Event Coordinator at the Bishop Chamber of Commerce. “The derby is a real family-friendly fishing event. In addition to the fishing contest, we’ll have information booths, educational displays, kids’ casting games, activities, and more,” Kress added.
CLICK HERE TO ENTER!

BLAKE JONES TROUT DERBY RULES
Please read carefully. When you register, you are acknowledging that you have read this and agree to follow the rules.

All fish entered must be caught on the day of the derby.
Participants must catch and enter their own fish – up to five(5) total fish.
All fish must be weighed in/ checked-in BEFORE 3 pm at Tri-County Fairgrounds – no exceptions.
Prizes will be awarded beginning at 4 pm, winners must be present to claim prizes.
All fish entered must be caught in waters that are open for fishing as indicated by CADFW Regulations.
All participants must hold a current valid California fishing license.
All CADFW regulations apply. If you are unsure of the regulations, visit https://wildlife.ca.gov/Regulations#freshwaterfishing

BLIND BOGEY FORMAT FOR WEIGHED FISH

Prior to the derby, a secret fisherman will catch a Blind Bogey fish and record the weight.
On day of derby, each participant may catch and register up to five(5) fish.
Those that match the Blind Bogey weight are entered into a drawing to win prizes.
2025 Recap and Derby Results >>

CATCH & RELEASE FORMAT

Participants will show photo to event staff to receive one entry ticket for each fish released – up to five (5) total fish.
All catch & release entries will be placed into a drawing for prizes.

OTHER WAYS TO WIN

Prizes may be awarded for additional categories: Early Bird Registration (by 2/28/26), Big Fish and others. Take a trash bag along, pick up trash and bring to the fairgrounds for special drawing prizes. There will also be themed raffle baskets.

ANGLER’S HONOR

The continued success of this event depends on honesty & integrity.
Organizers trust all participants to follow all the rules including contestant age categories and submitting photos of fish caught only on derby day.

MORE INFO

The Blake Jones Trout Derby is a family-friendly event. All ages are welcome.
The Blake Jones Trout Derby is organized by the Bishop Area Chamber of Commerce with the help of many co-sponsors including the County of Inyo and City of Bishop. Please be sure to check out our sponsor board near the prize stage.
Please help us keep our beautiful area clean. Don’t discard fishing line, packaging, cans or other trash in the water or along the shore.
We know some folks like to enjoy adult beverages while fishing. In order to make sure everyone gets back to their home or hotel safely, please have a designated driver.
No shuttle service this year including to and from town and the route along the reservoir.

The Blake Jones Trout Derby is co-sponsored by Inyo County and the City of Bishop, plus many other generous prize donors. For more information, questions or concerns, contact the Bishop Chamber at (760) 873-8405.
WHO IS BLAKE JONES?
Named after the late Blake Jones, he invented the modern cheese bait like PowerBait back in the late 1950s. With his charismatic personality, Blake Jones became a spokesman for Bishop and the Eastern High Sierra, helping to turn Bishop into a year-round California fishing vacation destination.
WHAT’S NEW?!
Discount pricing for first responders, seniors, military and youth. Plus new “FREE” price for kids 10 & under
More Info & History of this classic Eastern Sierra Fish Derby
Registration, weigh-in, and awards ceremony will be at the Eastern Sierra Tri-County Fairgrounds in downtown Bishop.
Cast Your Line Into The Legends Of The Blake Jones Fishing Derby
