2026 Blake Jones Trout Derby

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 – up to five(5) total fish.
• All fish must be weighed-in/ checked-in BEFORE 3pm at Tri-County Fairgrounds – no exceptions.
• 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, visit https://wildlife.ca.gov/Regulations#freshwaterfishing
  
  

BLIND BOGEY FORMAT FOR WEIGHED FISH

• Prior to 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.
  

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 2/27/26), 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 of Commerce 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.

Don’t Miss this Eastern Sierra Tradition!

NEW!! Discount pricing for seniors, military, first responders and youth.
Plus new “FREE” price for kids 10 & under

Cast Your Line Into The Legends Of The Blake Jones Fishing Derby

Registration, weigh-in, and awards ceremony will be at the Eastern Sierra Tri-County Fairgrounds in downtown Bishop.

Blake Jones Trout Derby

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, even prizes for those who 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 near Bishop. The Bishop Chamber of Commerce 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 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.

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 of Commerce at (760) 873-8405. GOOD LUCK TO ALL!