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

This more than half century old event isn’t just a fishing derby, but a testament to the popularity of fishing in the Eastern Sierra. To this day, it is still the largest single day fishing derby in the state of California. This is the first time for a fall event, which means more places to fish!! Go beyond Pleasant Valley Reservoir and the Owens River, submit your catches from Bishop Creek, Lake Sabrina, South Lake, Weir Pond, Intake II and North Lake. Oh this is going to be fun…

This Year’s Event 

This year’s Blake Jones Trout Derby will be held on Saturday September 16th. Nearly $10,000 worth of cash and prizes will be awarded, which includes items such as float tubes, rods & reels, gift certificates to local shops, restaurants and more. Even if the rest of your family isn’t into fishing, this is the perfect time to visit. Check out fall colors the fall colors map and tutorial to help you find the best spots for leaf peeping.  Please use extreme caution – AVOID SWIFT WATER!

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Registration

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

“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, music, activities, food & beverage vendors and more,” Leeson added. The Blake Jones Trout Derby is co-sponsored by Inyo County and the City of Bishop, plus many other generous sponsors.  For more information, contact the Bishop Chamber at (760) 873-8405.

Everyone Can Win 

One of the unique aspects to the Blake Jones Derby is the idea of the “Blind Bogey” format. Ahead of the tournament, a secret fisherman goes out and catches a fish and then records it. During the tournament, if any registered competitors match the secret fish weight, they win the Blind Bogey raffle. Additional prizes are awarded for early registration, farthest travel, biggest fish, and even no fish for those who choose catch and release. 

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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. 

An Eastern Sierra Tradition!

Over $10K in cash & prizes – One of California’s largest single-day trout derbies. Registration, check-in and prize ceremony at Tri-County Fairgrounds.  Blind Bogey format with prizes for all ages.

Since 1968, the event has been a favorite Eastern Sierra tradition.  Last year, nearly 400 registered participants weighed in more than 500 fish. The largest was 5 pounds and most were in the 1-pound range. Lucky winners took home about $10K worth of prizes including float tubes, Yeti coolers, barbecues, rod & reel combos and tons of other great gear provided by the event’s ever-generous co-sponsors.