Anglers of all ages invited to fish for prizes and to benefit the Neal Taylor Nature Center in 28th version of event
April is here, and Cachuma Lake in Santa Barbara County is full of fish. That means one thing: the 29th Annual Neal Taylor Nature Center Fish Derby, taking place this Saturday and Sunday, April 18-19.
Anglers of all types and all ages are expected to come to Cachuma Lake this weekend, nearly three months since Mt. Lassen Trout Farms delivered 5,000 pounds of trout to the lake, which is at 100% capacity.
The Fish Derby, which will take place rain or shine, is the major fundraiser for The Nature Center at Cachuma Lake, a nonprofit organization. Last year, an announced 571 anglers took part, taking advantage of a lake that is now full after being under-capacity for several years.
This year’s Fish Derby will again include prize categories for multiple types of fish such as crappie, bass, catfish, trout, and carp. The prize pool has been increased this year which means everyone has a chance to win great cash prizes, fishing gear, and more!
Anglers of all ages are encouraged to enter the derby, and tickets are available on-site from Friday, April 17, to Sunday, April 19, for $50 each. Youth Registration for ages 4-15 years old is $15. To receive information, leave your name and address on the hotline (805) 693-8381 or visit www.TROUTDERBY.org
Cash prizes amounting to more than $5,000 plus thousands of dollars’ worth of merchandise prizes will be awarded in many categories and to anglers of all ages. Certain prizes are designated for children and for teens.
All anglers 16 years and older must have a fishing license, which may be purchased at the marina.
The event hosts a variety of activities. People of all ages are welcome to participate. Ages 4 and up can participate in the fish-weighing contest, and earn cash and fishing gear prizes. There are also several raffles, with prizes that include fishing gear, gift baskets, local restaurant gift certificates, lake cruises, and more.
Other activities include arts & crafts, workshops, bait-making stations, live music at HOOK’d bar & grill, boat rentals, an on-site disc golf course, and several biking and hiking trails surrounding Cachuma Lake.
The Derby fishing begins at 6 a.m. on Saturday, April 18, and ends at 12 noon on Sunday, April 19. Contestants must fish in Cachuma Lake during the tournament hours and may fish from shore at any time during the Derby, including Saturday night. A flare will be fired at the harbor to start the Derby on Saturday and to end the Derby on Sunday.
Due to the threat of quagga mussels, Cachuma Lake has a 30-day quarantine and inspection of all boats except those with a Cachuma Lake Tag and kayaks/canoes.
Please check for updates to the inspection protocol at www.sbparks.org
Other Fish Derby activities include:
Visit the Neal Taylor Nature Center:
Thursday through Saturday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Admission: Donations welcomed.
Children’s Activities will be on the lawn in front of the Nature Center from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Donations welcomed.
Purchase raffle tickets (open to general public) for valuable prizes starting at 12 p.m. on Friday, April 17, and throughout the Fish Derby. The winning tickets will be drawn at the Sunday Awards Program, which begins at 1 p.m. Sunday, April 19, at the Fireside Theater. You need not be present to win the raffle.
To make reservations for cabins, yurts, individual campsites, or full hook-up sites go to www.sbparks.org/reservations or call (805) 686-5050. For other camping information, call (805) 686-5054.
The Fish Derby organizers thank the event sponsors (Silver Sponsor) Schafer Family Foundation – In Memory of Johnny, (Bronze Sponsor) Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, Mechanics Bank, Rotary District 5240, (Royal Coachman) Dr. Bill & Vivien Foran, El Rancho Marketplace, Vague Rods, (Derby Sponsor) County of Santa Barbara Community Services, ExplorUS, Hook Line & Sinker, K-Lite 101.7, 99.9 KTYD Santa Barbara, Nargan Fire & Safety, Tracy Angel in Memory of Ray Angel, Brian & Kris Kittle, Dr. Lowell & Shirley McLellan, Matt Naretto, Jerry & Sandi Witcher, and New Channel 12-3-11. The organizers also thank their volunteers and many generous donors!
About the Neal Taylor Nature Center at Cachuma Lake
The Neal Taylor Nature Center (NTNC), a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization, is located within Cachuma Recreational Area in a picturesque old ranch house. Developed and operated by a corps of committed volunteers, it offers exhibits on the local valley and mountain environment for all ages, emphasizing hands-on exhibits for children of all ages. There is also a Native Garden behind the Nature Center.
