Fishing Derbies In The Eastern Sierra

2026 Fishing Derbies In The Eastern Sierra

Out here, fishing’s not just something we do; it’s part of living here. From the slow, steady Owens River to those glassy lakes up Bishop Creek Canyon, the water’s always got a way of pulling you back. Yeah, the trout are great, but it’s also about the people you meet, the laughs you have, and the stories you bring home.

The art of fishing in Bishop’s Big Backyard transcends mere hobby status – it’s a true passion. Each year, the Eastern Sierra’s lakes, streams, and various bodies of water receive a generous stocking of 650,000 pounds of trout. All courtesy of Bishop, Inyo County, Mono County, Mammoth Lakes and the California Department of Fish & Wildlife. In fact, fishing is so intertwined with the community that opening day of fishing season is locally dubbed “Fishmas,” rivalling the anticipation of Christmas.

Even as winter snows blanket the higher elevations and close the most direct Sierra Nevada routes like Sonora and Tioga Passes, visiting Bishop’s Big Backyard is still easy and stress free. Traveling from Southern California is generally straightforward and can even make for a fun winter road trip. For visitors coming from elsewhere, getting here has never been simpler with direct flights into Bishop.

Now that you know how accessible it is, dive into the full lineup of fishing events across the region and become part of the angling history in this stunning landscape.

Bishop Trout Rodeo

February 7, 2026 

Learn more about the Bishop Trout Rodeo

Join us on February 7, 2026, for the 5th annual Bishop Trout Rodeo, a premier catch-and-release competition spanning the Owens Valley from the Upper Owens to Lone Pine. Whether you are a fly fisher or use conventional gear, this event offers a perfect post-holiday getaway for individuals and teams alike. Compete for prizes and the coveted “Special Beverage” glasses in a tournament scored by total inches (including bonuses for fish over 14”) via the iAngler app, which provides a live leaderboard to track your standings. After a day on the water, gather at the Tri-County Fairgrounds for dinner, raffles, and awards to celebrate the community and conservation of our local waters. 100% Catch and Release. Participants must use a smartphone with the iAngler app to photograph and log catches.

Blake Jones Trout Derby

March 21, 2026

Learn more about the Blake Jones Trout Derby

Every March since ’68, we all pile in for the Blake Jones Trout Derby. It’s the same good stuff every year; friends catching up, kids grinning with their first fish, and everyone hoping for that one big bite. There’s a bunch of categories, fun prizes, and enough fishing gear handed out to stock a tackle shop. Recommended by our friends far and wide!  🙂

This is the Big Kahuna of fishing derbies in the Eastern Sierra. Named in honor of the late Blake Jones, a pioneer in the angling world who revolutionized fishing with his invention of the modern cheese bait, such as PowerBait, in the late 1950s. Jones, with his charismatic persona, not only left a mark on the fishing industry but also served as a spokesperson for Bishop and the Eastern High Sierra. His efforts played a significant role in transforming Bishop into a sought-after year-round California fishing vacation destination.

Lone Pine Trout Derby AKA “Fishmas”

Last Saturday in April

Learn more about the Lone Pine Trout Derby

Eastern Sierra Opener (“Fishmas”)
Before the sun’s even up, the bait shops are hopping, coffee’s in every hand, and the riverbanks are full. Diaz Lake turns into a picnic and fishing party rolled into one.

Organized by the Lone Pine Chamber of Commerce, the derby boasts the catchy tagline, “Here Fishy, Fishy, Fishy!” Held at Diaz Lake (one of the hotspots for fishing in Inyo County), a short distance south of Lone Pine, this event promises a delightful day of fishing alongside the opportunity to snag some impressive prizes. And if there’s someone in your group who isn’t keen on fishing, fear not! We’ve got you covered with a handful of entertaining ways to celebrate Fishmas beyond the fishing rod.

Independence Fish Derby

Father’s Day Weekend

Learn more about the Independence Fish Derby

Forget the tie this Father’s Day. Give your mountain man Dad what he truly craves – quality time outdoors with the family. As a highlight of your Father’s Day celebrations, consider a journey to Bishop and enlist Dad and the kids for the 24th annual Independence Father’s Day fishing derby. For tips on planning this memorable weekend getaway, be sure to peruse our article on crafting the Best Father’s Day Ever – filled with Big Backyard Fun.