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2025 Eel River Pikeminnow Fishing Derby

July 1 - August 31

Eel River, all waters open to angling on the South Fork Eel River downstream of the Humboldt County line to the confluence with the mainstem. The mainstem Eel from Dos Rios to the mouth of the Van Duzen. The Van Duzen from Grizzly Creek to the mouth of the Van Duzen.

Website: https://tribresearch.org/pikeminnow/

Enter Pikeminnow Submissions Here
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Sacramento pikeminnow are a native fish to California but were introduced to the Eel in the 1970’s. Sacramento pikeminnow are piscivorous (eat other fish) and have been found to consume native salmonids and lamprey among other fishes in the Eel River. On top of the many stressors affecting the Eel River such as drought, habitat availability, and other climate change impacts pikeminnow can have a significant effect on native fish populations. Therefore, research on Sacramento pikeminnow in the Eel River can help managers aid in the conservation of our native fishes.

How You Can Participate:

To enter into the contest you must provide a valid (google) email address and upload a photo of your fish. Thanks for participating and doing your part to protect native fishes in the Eel River. Here are the prize categories:

  1. Most pikeminnow (greater than 6 inches) removed over the duration of the contest. (1st-$250, 2nd-$150, 3rd-$100)
  2. Most pikeminnow (greater than 12 inches) removed over the duration of the contest. MUST include tape measure in photo. (1st-$500, 2nd-$350, 3rd-$250)
  3. Biggest fish (length). MUST include tape measure in photo. (1st-$250, 2nd-$150, 3rd-$100)
  4. Drawing for kids (under 18) that entered a pikeminnow in the contest. (8 winners – $50/each)

Location

  • Derby includes all waters open to angling on the South Fork Eel River downstream of the Humboldt County line to the confluence with the mainstem. The mainstem Eel from Dos Rios to the mouth of the Van Duzen. The Van Duzen from Grizzly Creek to the mouth of the Van Duzen.

Contest Rules:

  • For online form, submit entries using one email address. All entries at the end of the contest for the “most pikeminnow…” will be tallied by participant name. Online form HERE!
  • For Mail in Form- mail in forms must be postmarked on or before September 3. Send a copy of your photo(s), minimum size 3”x5” each, along with completed entry form to:

         CalTrout
        1380 9th St.
        Arcata, CA 95521

  • Individual contestants can win no more than one prize category. In the case of multiple wins, the largest prize amount will be awarded.
  • Cheating or falsification of entries will result in automatic disqualification
  • Photos from poor angles or of bad quality are subject to disqualification.

Fishing Regulations & Rules:

  • Eel River regulations currently state there is no bag limit on pikeminnow. Retention of salmonids is strictly prohibited.
  • Strict compliance with Fish and Game Code Section 1.87: WASTE OF FISH; it is unlawful to cause or permit any deterioration or waste of any fish taken in the waters of this state.
  • Prohibited actions: Throwing fish on the bank or into the river, any blatant waste of fish.
  • Any violation of Fish and Game Code Section 1.87 will be subject to law enforcement prosecution.

For more information: Click here or email Matt Metheny mmetheny @ caltrout.org.

Learn more about CalTrout’s efforts to restore the Eel River watershed here.

Event organized by
California Trout

View Organizer Website (415) 392-8887 info@caltrout.org
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