The Neal Taylor Nature Center’s 27th Annual Fish Derby is April 20-21. The event is the main fundraiser for the nonprofit Neal Taylor Nature at Cachuma Lake.
The Fish Derby, open to children and adults, will once again include prize categories for many types of fish such as crappie, bass, catfish, trout and carp.
Cash prizes worth more than $5,000 plus thousands of dollars worth of merchandise prizes will be awarded in multiple categories and to anglers of all ages, the Nature Center said. Some prizes are designated for children and for young people.
Registration fee for adults is $35 if entry is postmarked by April 6; $40 if postmarked after April 6; and $45 for on-site registration, Friday April 19-Sunday, April 21. Youth registration for ages 4-15 years old is always $10.
Registration forms are available at the Cachuma Lake Park entry gate, store, marina, Nature Center, and local businesses. To receive information and a registration form in the mail, leave your name and address on the hotline, 805-693-8381, or visit www.TROUTDERBY.org.
All anglers 16 years of age and older must have a fishing license, which can be purchased at the marina.
Derby fishing begins at 6 a.m. on April 20 and ends at noon on April 21. Contestants must fish Cachuma Lake during contest hours and may fish from shore at any time during the derby including saturday night A flare will be fired in the harbor to start the derby on Saturday and end the derby on Sunday.
Free arts and crafts activities will be offered to children Saturday afternoon of derby weekend. Children’s activities is on the lawn in front of the Nature Center, 1-3 pm Donations accepted.
The Nature Center will also host a Books & Treasure Sale, 10 am-2 pm Saturday, which is another fund-raising event for the center.
Note: Due to the threat of quagga mussels, Cachuma Lake has a 30 day quarantine and inspection on all boats except those with a Cachuma Lake Tag and kayaks/canoes.
See inspection protocol updates at www.sbparks.org.
