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· Registration:
- $40.00 -Postmark or Online by April 4, 2026
- $45.00 -Postmark or Online after 4, 2026
- $50.00-On-site Fri. 4/17 to Sun. 4/19/26
- Ages 4-15 years old always – $15.00
The Fish Derby is the major fundraiser for The Neal Taylor Nature at Cachuma Lake which is a non-profit organization.
There is good news for all types of anglers! This year’s Fish Derby will again include 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!
Anglers of all ages are encouraged to enter the Nature Center’s29th Annual Fish Derby on April 18th and 19th. Registration fee for adults is $40.00 -Postmark or Online by April 4, 2026; $45.00 -Postmark after April 4, 2026, and $50.00-On-site Fri. 4/17 to Sun. 4/19/26 and Youth Registration for ages 4 – 15 years old is always $15. 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 register Online by visiting http://www.TROUTDERBY.org
Cash prizes amounting to more than $5,000 plus thousands of dollars’ worth of merchandise prizes will be awarded in many categories and to anglers of all ages. 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 special Books & Treasure Sale on Saturday.
The Derby fishing begins at 6 a.m. on Saturday, April 18 and ends at 12 noon on April 19, 2026. Contestants must fish in Cachuma Lake during the tournament hoursand 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.
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.
Please check for updates to the inspection protocol at http://www.sbparks.org
Other Fish Derby Activities
Visit the Neal Taylor Nature Center:
Thursday through Saturday; 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. & Sunday 10 a.m. – 12 noon
Admission: Donations Appreciated.
Children’s Activities will be on the lawn in front of the Nature Center from 1 – 3 p.m. on Saturday. Admission: Donations Appreciated.
Purchase Raffle tickets (open to general public) for valuable prizes starting 12 noon on
Fri. April 17, 2026, and throughout the Fish Derby. The winning tickets will be drawn at the Sunday Awards Program which begins at 1:00 pm at the Fireside Theater. You need not be present to win the raffle.
Books and Treasures Sale: At the Nature Center from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday.
Awards Program at the Fireside Theater on Sunday, April 19th at 1:00 p.m.
To make reservations for cabins, yurts, individual camp sites or full hook-up sites go to: http://www.sbparks.org/reservations or call (805) 686-5050. For other camping information call (805) 686-5054.
More about the Derby:
The Neal Taylor Nature Center at Cachuma Lake will hold the 29th Annual Fish Derby on April 18th and 19th, 2026.
The derby is the major fund-raising event for the Center that was founded by the late Neal Taylor in 1988.
Over $5,000 in cash prizes in various fish categories will be awarded (see Prize schedule below) Registered individuals must be 4 years or older to participate. A registered angler is eligible for door prizes to be given away at the Awards Program on Sunday at 1:00 pm at Fireside Theater.
- Door prize winners must be present;
- Cash prize awards will be mailed if the winner is not present.
- Purchased Raffle Ticket winners need not be present (If not present for the drawing, you will need to check TroutDerby.org site for winning numbers after the Derby and retain winning stub then contact the Nature Center to arrange for pick-up).
Entry fees are:
$40.00 -Postmark or Online by April 4, 2026
$45.00 -Postmark after April 4, 2026
$50.00-On-site Fri. 4/17 to Sun. 4/19/26
Ages 4-15 years old always – $15.00
Children’s activities will be organized on the lawn in front of the Nature Center on Saturday from 1 to 3 pm. This event is well attended with children having a great time working on arts and crafts projects. Lots of laughing and fun activities; parents have a great time too! Admission: Donations are appreciated.
Folks are encouraged to visit the Nature Center during the children’s activities or at other hours during the weekend. Knowledgeable docents and volunteers will gladly show visitors the exhibits on plants, animals, and other topics. There are many hands-on objects for children to experience.
A books and treasures sale will be held at the Nature Center on Saturday from 10am until 2pm. This is also a fund-raising event for the Nature Center and visitors are encouraged to browse and buy the hundreds of books and other special items.
Visitors may purchase raffle tickets for valuable prizes beginning at noon on Friday, April 17 and continued through the weekend until Sunday noon. Winning tickets will be drawn at the Sunday Awards Program, beginning at 1:00 at Fireside Theater. Raffle prize winners do not need to be present.
Folks may call the Fish Derby Hotline for up-to-date information (805) 693-8381 or visit us at http://www.TroutDerby.org.
For additional information and/or to receive a registration in the mail, leave your name and address on the hotline (805) 693-8381 or register online or download a registration by visiting http://www.TroutDerby.org
