BASS LAKE — The highly anticipated Bass Lake Fishing Derby is set to return! In turn, promising excitement and big winnings for fishing enthusiasts of all ages. The event will take place on May 3rd and 4th, 2025. With over $55,000 in total tagged fish prizes, including three grand prize fish worth a combined $25,000, this year’s derby is shaping up to be one of the most rewarding yet.

Big Prizes Await

Former Grand Prize winner Jerry Vang.

To start, participants will have the chance to reel in some serious cash, with the following prize breakdown:

• 2 fish worth $10,000 each
• 1 fish worth $5,000
• 150 fish worth $100 each
• 847 fish worth $20 each

Last year’s event saw 323 tagged fish caught. Two of the biggest prize fish were caught — a $5,500 and a $10,000 catch — making for an exciting weekend for competitors.

Registration Details

Anglers interested in joining can register online here.

Registration officially opened on February 1st, 2025, and the entry fees are:

• $35.00 per adult
• $15.00 per child (16 & under, must be immediate family)

To compete, participants must register by 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 3rd. Also, guests must register online, as walk-up registrations will not be accepted.

*Anglers who register before April 15th, 2025, will receive a guaranteed limited-edition Derby hat. Additionally, hats will be distributed beginning April 28th, while supplies last. Each family/individual registration is eligible for up to four hats.*

Fishing Rules & Regulations

Mother and son fishing at Bass Lake (Credit to Pines Resort)

• Fishing is permitted from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on both Saturday & Sunday.
• Anglers must use a standard hook and line; netting, chumming, shocking, or using live minnows is strictly prohibited.
• Anyone 16 and older must have a valid California Fishing License.
• Tagged fish must be turned in live at one of the three Derby Headquarters: Millers Landing, The Forks Resort, or The Pines Market
• Each registered participant may turn in up to three tagged fish per day.

View the guidelines of the California Sport Fishing Regulations here.

Checking In & Prize Redemption

Unlike previous years, participants will not need wristbands. Instead, guests must show their registration email confirmation when turning in a tagged fish. Derby officials will post the winning tag numbers at Headquarters on Saturday morning. Furthermore, if an angler catches one of the three grand prize fish after the Derby, they can still redeem a $500 prize until June 30th, 2025. (Only if they registered for the Derby and can provide proof of registration)

Boating & Launching Information

For those bringing boats, Bass Lake has two launch points:

(Credit to Visit Yosemite)

• Public Launch (South Shore by the Dam) – Free
• The Pines Marina (North Shore) – $20 fee in & $20 out

Madera County is waiving the Bass Lake registration sticker requirement during Derby weekend.

Weather & Refund Policy

Importantly, the event will take place rain or shine. Moreover, participants can request refunds until April 15th, 2025, but will not receive any after that date.

More Information & Contacts

For additional details or assistance with registration, contact:

With thousands of dollars in prizes up for grabs, the 2025 Bass Lake Fishing Derby will thrill both seasoned anglers and newcomers alike. Grab your fishing gear, register online, and get ready to cast your line for a chance at a big catch.