LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – After a one-year hiatus, the popular Catfish Derby is returning to Clearlake Oaks on May 14, 15 and 16.
Past participants are being notified of the decision and the precautions that will be in effect.
Widely known as the biggest Catfish Derby west of the Mississippi, the event traditionally draws fishing enthusiasts from throughout the United States who come for a chance to hook a big fish, win a cash prize and enjoy the camaraderie that makes the tournament the type of event groups and families enjoy, year after year.
This year will mark the 37th Derby.
“In recent years, participation has grown to about 1,000 fishing enthusiasts and their families,” said Dennis Locke, chairman of the Catfish Derby Committee.
The much-anticipated event was cancelled last year due to COVID-19 restrictions that precluded events drawing large crowds of the size the Derby normally attracts.
“We aren’t expecting as large a crowd this year,” Locke said. “But we have been fielding calls from our most avid participants and so far, the mail in application rate is encouraging. Also, for the first time this year we’re accepting online applications so overall, we’re seeing good results early in the process.”
Camille Gouldberg, president of the Clearlake Oaks-Glenhaven Business Association which sponsors the Derby, said that many aspects of the event will be different this year.
“The one thing that won’t change is the fishing,” she said. “Hopefully the individuals, groups and family bubbles that normally enter the contest will return to enjoy the best catfishing around.”
“We decided to move forward this year after considerable discussion and careful consideration of the operational changes needed to minimize potential spread of the COVID virus,” Locke said. “We are following the most current local and state guidance. If restrictions ease up by May, we’ll evaluate the feasibility of revising some procedures.”
Locke also said that the Catfish Derby supports the local economy in numerous ways, boosting sales at bait and tackle shops, stores, coffee houses, restaurants, hotels, resorts, casinos, and more. “It draws more people from outside the county than any single event I can think of and the proceeds go right back into the community” he said. “It’s an important fundraiser for our little town.”
Gouldberg said the business association had to limit the amount of donations given in 2020. “The event proceeds from this year will hopefully allow us to resume more robust funding of the activities we traditionally support including schools, the local senior center and events that benefit our children, seniors and the community at large,” she said.
A number of significant changes have been made including two location changes. The on-site registration is moving from the fire station to the Clearlake Oaks Plaza on 12483 Foothill Blvd. and the fish weigh-ins will move to the Clearlake Oaks public boat launch ramp on 12684 Island Drive, west of the fire station off highway 20.
“We won’t be providing food or beverages this year and we’re foregoing the raffles, t-shirt sales and photo booth. Also, no entertainment or spectators this year and no awards ceremony at the conclusion of the Derby. Instead, tournament results will be posted on our website and social media. Prize awards will be sent to winning contestants by mail,” Locke said.
“It’s a scaled down version of what we’ve done,” Locke said, “but the prize levels are the same.”
A total of $10,000 in cash prizes will be awarded. In the adult division, 20 prizes ranging from $5,000 to $40 will be awarded. In the two kid’s divisions, 5 prizes are awarded in the 11 to 15 category and 5 in the “up to 10-year-old” category. Prizes in these divisions range from $100 to $10.
For updated information on the 2021 Derby call 707-596-0248, send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit the website at www.clearlakeoaks.org/derby.
“Our committee is made up of volunteers, mostly over the age of 65,” said Gail Jonas, former Catfish Derby Committee chair. “We missed the derby last year and hopefully, soon, we can return to more traditional times. But for now, we need to be cautious.”
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March 27, 2021 at 06:00PM
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California - Catfish Derby returns in May - Lake County News
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