The 29th Annual Fish Derby, the major fundraiser for the nonprofit Neal Taylor Nature at Cachuma Lake, will be April 18-19.
Derby fishing runs 6 a.m. Saturday to noon Sunday. 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 it on Sunday.
The 2026 Fish Derby includes 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,” organizers said.
Anglers of all ages are encouraged to enter. Registration fee for adults is $50 onsite Friday, April 17 to Sunday, April 19; youth registration for ages 4-15 years old is $15.
Registration forms available at Cachuma Lake Park entry gate, store, marina, Nature Center, and local businesses. To register online, visit www.TROUTDERBY.org.
Cash prizes amounting to more than $5,000 plus thousands of dollars’ worth of merchandise prizes will be awarded in a number of categories and to anglers of all ages, organizers said. 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.
Free arts and crafts activities will be offered to children Saturday afternoon of Derby weekend, and the Nature Center will also host a Books & Treasure Sale on Saturday.
Children’s Activities will be held 1-3 p.m. Saturday on the lawn in front of the Nature Center. Admission: Donations appreciated.
Raffle tickets can be purchased starting at noon Friday, April 17 and throughout the derby. Winning tickets will be drawn at the Sunday Awards Program, 1 p.m. at the Fireside Theater. You need not be present to win the raffle.
Folks may call the Fish Derby hotline for up-to-date information 805-693-8381 or visit www.TroutDerby.org.
The Nature Center was founded in 1988, fulfilling the dream of naturalist Neal Taylor, who began fishing as a child in the Eastern Sierras with his father.
As a teenager, Taylor began entering fly fishing tournaments and started his own fly-tying business, Taylor Ties Flies.
Taylor fished all over the world, and conducted fly fishing instructional camps throughout the Western United States. He taught fly fishing to several celebrities and to three U.S. presidents.
The author of “Fly Fishing,” which is available in the Nature Center Gift Shop, Taylor served as naturalist for the Santa Barbara County Parks Department for some 18 years before retiring.
“Neal was a favorite of youth groups of all ages and his legendary storytelling skills, and humor added vitality and excitement to all the walks and talks he once led,” according to the Nature Center.
Until his passing in February 2011, he continued to be active as a Nature Center Board member and was a lead participant in the various fishing workshops held at the Nature Center, including the widely attended annual Trout Derby.
With Taylor’s passing, it was proposed to rename the Cachuma Lake Nature Center in his honor to The Neal Taylor Nature Center at Cachuma Lake.