The Neal Taylor Nature Center’s 27th Annual Fish Derby will be April 20-21. The event is the major fundraiser for the nonprofit Neal Taylor Nature at Cachuma Lake.

The Fish Derby, which is open to children and adults, will again include prize categories for multiple types of fish such as crappie, bass, catfish, trout and carp.

Cash prizes amounting to more than $5,000 plus thousands of dollars’ worth of merchandise prizes will be awarded in numerous categories and to anglers of all ages, the Nature Center said. Certain prizes are designated for children and for teens.

Three boys from the Santa Maria Valley smile for the camera while one of the boys holds a fish caught at a derby in 2017. (Courtesy photo)
Young anglers show off a winning catch from the Fish Derby in 2017. (Courtesy photo)

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 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 and older must have a fishing license, which may be purchased at the marina.

The derby fishing begins at 6 a.m. on April 20 and ends at noon April 21. 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.

Free arts and crafts activities will be offered to children Saturday afternoon of derby weekend. Children’s activities will be on the lawn in front of the Nature Center, 1-3 p.m. Donations welcome.

The Nature Center will also host a Books & Treasure Sale, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, which is another a fund-raising event for the center.

Note: 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.
Check for updates to the inspection protocol at www.sbparks.org.