Located near the south gate entrance of Yosemite National Park in California, Bass Lake is the place to fish. The Bass Lake Fishing Derby is celebrating its 40th year of welcoming families to their two-day event on May 1st and 2nd. Sponsored by the Bass Lake Chamber of Commerce, this annual event kicks off the popular lake’s summer season.
2021 Online registration is open now – get hooked on this Bass Lake tradition.
“We are so excited to bring the Bass Lake Fishing Derby back this year! This long-standing tradition of an event is a great way to commence a busy season here at Bass Lake,” said Michelle Miller, Debry Chairperson and owner of Miller’s Landing Resort.
The 2021 Bass Lake Derby includes Covid safety protocols to help keep our participants and our community safe.
Derby applications will be accepted online only at www.basslakechamber.com/fishing-derby.
There are unique Derby Swag Bags for everyone who enters the competition by April 15. Pick up the bags at any of the three derby headquarters; Miller’s Landing Resort, The Forks Resort, and The Pines Resort Market starting April 25. Entrants are encouraged to pick up their bags early to reduce crowding on Derby morning.
This year anglers have a chance at snagging a portion of $59,000! More than 1,000 tagged rainbow trout are released into the lake before the derby, each worth varying amounts. There will be 847 fish worth $20, 150 worth $100, one fish will net a lucky angler $5,000, and two Grand Prize fish will be worth $10,000 each.
In light of the many hurdles that have been overcome, the Bass Lake community wanted to make it extra-special this year by adding eight additional fish sponsored by local businesses. Each fish is worth $500. Special thanks to The Pines Resort, The Forks Resort, Sierra Recreation, Miller’s Landing Resort, Nancy Gunning (Realtor-Associate/Bass Lake Realty), Sierra Vacation Home Rentals, Theresa Wilson (Broker-Associate/Bass Lake Realty), and Visit Yosemite | Madera County.
“All in all, entrants have a good chance of walking away with a nice payday,” said Miller.
Registration costs $25 per individual (16 years or older), $15 for first child (under 16), $10 for each additional child (under 16).
To learn more or to register online, visit www.basslakechamber.com/fishing-derby, or please contact Michelle Miller at (559) 642-3633 or by email chamber@basslakechamber.com.
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Bass Lake is located 20-minutes south of the Highway 41 entrance to Yosemite National Park and just over an hour north of Fresno. Located in the Sierra National Forest, its scenery and plentiful activities make it a popular retreat during the spring and summer months. The lake boasts a wide range of lodging, from camping to resorts and luxurious vacation rentals, offing an array of dining and shopping options moments from the shore.
For more, visit www.YosemiteThisYear.com/basslake.
Formed in 1985, Visit Yosemite | Madera County’s mission is to draw the millions of visitors of Yosemite National Park to the many businesses and attractions in its gateway. We are inviting visitors to take a journey from the Fossil Discovery Center to the Madera Wine Trail and onward into the High Sierra. Along the way, discover incredible dining, talented tradespersons, four-seasons of water sports at Bass Lake, the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad, and mighty adventures right up to the massive Giant Sequoia trees. Madera County is the gateway to so much more.