BASS LAKE, CA – Tucked away just south of Yosemite National Park, Bass Lake is known for its warm waters, all-season recreation, shopping, dining, and annual fishing derby featuring cash prizes. The Bass Lake Fishing Derby, sponsored by the Bass Lake Chamber of Commerce, celebrates its 45th year of welcoming families and fishing enthusiasts to their two-day event on Saturday, May 2nd, and Sunday, May 3rd, 2026. This year, the derby officially kicks off Bass Lake’s 125th-anniversary celebration, with more exciting events to follow throughout the season.
“This annual event is a longstanding tradition for many families!” Expressed Michelle Miller, President of the Bass Lake Chamber of Commerce, she continued, “it brings together fishermen and women of all skill levels for a weekend of fun, with the potential to win some serious cash prizes.”
Anglers have a chance to reel in a portion of $55,000 in tagged fish, with more than 1,000 tagged rainbow trout released into the lake prior to the derby, each worth varying amounts. There are 847 tagged fish worth $20, 150 worth $100, one fish worth $5,000, and two Grand Prize tagged fish worth $10,000 each.
Registration is open for the 2026 Bass Lake Fishing Derby; entrance fees are $35 per individual (16 and older) and $15 per child (15 and under). To learn more about the Fishing Derby and to register, please visit www.BassLakeChamber.com/fishing-derby, or contact Michelle Miller at (559) 642-3633 or chamber@basslakechamber.com. For a lighthearted overview of the rules for the Fishing Derby, please watch this YouTube playlist from Visit Yosemite | Madera County for the 2025 Fishing Derby.
About Bass Lake
Bass Lake is located just 20 minutes south of the Highway 41 Entrance to Yosemite National Park, and about an hour north of Fresno. Located in the Sierra National Forest, it offers scenic beauty and a wealth of activities, making it a popular retreat in the spring and summer months. The lake boasts a wide range of accommodations, from camping up to a full-service resort and luxurious vacation rentals, as well as an array of dining and shopping options moments from shore.
About Visit Yosemite | Madera County
Since 1985, Visit Yosemite | Madera County has been a guiding light for millions of travelers, leading them to the wonders of Yosemite National Park and beyond. Our journey offers extraordinary experiences, from the Fossil Discovery Center through the Madera Wine Trail to the breathtaking High Sierra. Discover exceptional dining, artisan shops, and year-round watersports at Bass Lake. Experience the nostalgia of the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad and adventure among the majestic Giant Sequoia trees. Madera County is more than a gateway; it’s a destination for discovery.
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