The 2022 Blake Jones Trout Derby is set for Saturday, March 12th in Bishop, California. Since 1968, the event has been a favorite tradition for Eastern Sierra locals and visitors alike.

This year is shaping up to be a great one according to the Bishop Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau. “We feel confident we’ll be allowed to have the event and do so in a way that is safe and fun for everyone,” states Chamber Executive Director Tawni Thomson. While event planners hope to have a pre-pandemic size crowd, there is plenty of room for people to spread out while fishing and at the fairgrounds.

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, farthest travel, biggest fish, even prizes for those who don’t catch any fish or choose to catch & release.

Registration, weigh-in, and awards ceremony will be at the Eastern Sierra Tri-County Fairgrounds in downtown Bishop. Fishing locations include Pleasant Valley Reservoir and the Owens River. California Department of Fish and Wildlife plants Rainbow Trout year-round in these locations and the Bishop Chamber will arrange for supplemental stocking of fish purchased from Wright’s Rainbows prior to the derby. "We want to make sure there are plenty of fish for everyone," explains April Leeson, 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," Leeson added.

2022 BLAKE JONES TROUT DERBY RULES - Please read carefully. When you register, you are acknowledging you have read this and agree to follow the rules.

All fish entered must be caught on day of derby.
Participants must catch and enter their own fish.
All fish must be weighed in by 3pm at Tri-County Fairgrounds - no exceptions.
Contestants who wish to enter the raffle for catch and release or no fish must also check-in by 3pm.
Prizes will be awarded beginning at 4pm, 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, copies of CADFW Freshwater Fishing Regulations Booklet will be available at check-in table.

BLIND BOGEY FORMAT

Prior to derby, a secret fisherman will catch 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 raffle to win prizes.

OTHER WAYS TO WIN

Prizes may be awarded for additional categories: Early Bird Registration (by 2/28/22), Farthest Traveled and Big Fish. Themed raffle baskets and special raffle prizes for those who catch and release or don’t catch any at all.

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 & Visitors Bureau 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 available this year including to and from town and the route along the reservoir.

2022 Blake Jones Trout Derby

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