About 1.7 million Californians with a fishing license have a chance to win cash this summer. They can do this by catching an invasive fish called the Sacramento pikeminnow.
The 2026 Eel River Pikeminnow Fishing Derby started on July 1 and runs until August 31. This yearly event encourages people to fish for Sacramento pikeminnow. This invasive species eats native wildlife.
Why Catch Pikeminnow?
Sacramento pikeminnow are native to California. However, they were introduced to the Eel River in the 1970s. These fish eat other fish, including native salmon and lamprey in the Eel River. This harms the ecosystem and local fish populations.
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Start Your News DetoxResearchers and officials created a fun way to get local anglers to help. California Trout explains that pikeminnow add to existing problems for native fish. These problems include overfishing, logging damage, habitat loss, and climate change.
By fishing for Sacramento pikeminnow in the Eel River, people can help protect native fish.
How the Derby Works
During the two-month contest, licensed participants fish at three specific spots on the Eel River. After catching a pikeminnow, they submit it to the contest. They need a valid email address and a geo-tagged photo of their catch.
There are three cash prize categories:
- Most pikeminnow (over six inches) caught: $550 for first place, $450 for second, and $400 for third.
- Most pikeminnow (over 12 inches) caught: $800 for first place, $700 for second, and $600 for third.
- Biggest fish (by length): $500 for first place, $400 for second, and $300 for third.
There is also a drawing for kids under 18 who enter a pikeminnow. Six kids will each win $50.
Contestants must follow all state fishing rules. They can only use barbless artificial lures. Caught pikeminnows must not be put back into the river. There is no limit on how many can be caught.
Organizers suggest ways to use the caught pikeminnow. These include eating them, using them as garden fertilizer, crab bait, or for research. TRIB Research also provides recipes and tutorials for preparing pikeminnow.
The tournament's slogan is: "If you can’t beat ‘em, eat ‘em."
In 2025, 1,118 pikeminnow were caught. TRIB research hopes the derby and other efforts will help native fish. They are also looking to expand the derby's area and prizes in the future.
