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Eel River Pikeminnow Fishing Derby

July 20 - August 31

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

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

Enter Pikeminnow Submissions Here

Sacramento pikeminnow are a native fish to California but were introduced to the Eel River watershed in the 1970s and can have a significant impact on native fish populations. Therefore, suppression of Sacramento pikeminnow in the Eel River is a tool managers can use to aid in the conservation of our native fishes. CalTrout, TRIB Research, Wiyot Tribe, Bureau of Land Management, and Stillwater Sciences are hosting an Eel River Pikeminnow Fishing Derby to aid in pikeminnow suppression efforts. This derby gives cash prize awards up to $400 to anglers who want to enjoy sport fishing for Eel River pikeminnow while simultaneously helping our native fish populations.

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. Winners will receive exciting prizes! Here are the prize categories:

  1. Most pikeminnow (greater than 6 inches) removed over the duration of the contest. Prizes: $150, $100, and $50.
  2. Most pikeminnow (greater than 12 inches) removed over the duration of the contest. MUST include tape measure in photo. Prizes: $400, $200, and $100.
  3. Biggest fish (length). MUST include tape measure in photo. Prizes: $350, $150, and $100.
  4. Drawing for anyone that entered a pikeminnow in the contest. Prizes: 8 winners at $50 each.

Contest Rules:

  • Submit entries using one email address. All entries at the end of the contest for the “most pikeminnow…” will be tallied by participant name.
  • Individual contestants can win no more than one prize category
  • Cheating or falsification of entries will result in automatic disqualification
  • Contestants must follow all CDFW fishing regulations, including no bait, barbless artificial lures only. Single barbless hooks are recommended for all manners of effort including, fly, and artificial lures.
  • This derby includes all waters open to angling on the South Fork Eel River downstream of Humboldt County line to the confluence with the mainstem and the mainstem Eel from the confluence with the South Fork Eel to the mouth of the Van Duzen.

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.
  • Suggestions for fish use: consumption, gardening fertilizer, crab bait, or research. Fish to be donated for research purposes can be dropped off in the cooler at Dimmick Road, Highway 271, Piercy, CA or at the Wiyot Tribal Office during business hours.
  • 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 suppress pikeminnow here.

Event organized by
California Trout

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