2025 BLAKE JONES TROUT DERBY RESULTS

DATE: TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The 2025 Blake Jones Trout Derby in Bishop, California, was a fantastic event! Since 1968, the derby has been a cherished annual tradition, drawing families from near and far – with around 30% of participants coming from Inyo and Mono Counties. This year, approximately 10% of attendees were first-time participants, many of whom are already looking forward to returning next year.

Approximately 600 people, including registered anglers, along with their families and friends, gathered at the Eastern Sierra Tri-County Fairgrounds on Saturday, March 22nd for the prize awards ceremony. Nearly $10,000 worth of prizes were handed out to lucky winners.

The Blind Bogey weight was 9 oz. and in the adult category, Robert Eddy of Bishop took home the grand prize – a Dave Scadden Dagger Pro Float Tube Package, along with a bag full of fishing gear. Additionally, 14 other Blind Bogey winners received new rod-and-reel combos and other great prizes.

In the Kids’ Blind Bogey category, Trasen Chartraw, also from Bishop, claimed 1st prize. Nine other young anglers took home Blind Bogey prizes as well.

The Catch & Release category saw Reese Tiffany of Bishop win 1st prize, and the heaviest fish of the event, weighing in at 3 lbs. 9 oz., was caught by Mark Cortez from Chino.

Participants were encouraged to help keep the river and reservoir clean by collecting discarded fishing line and other trash. 33 individuals brought in bags of garbage and were entered into a special “Talkin’ Trash” drawing. Don Stevens from Temecula was the lucky winner.

But the Blake Jones Trout Derby is more than just a fishing competition – it’s a full-blown celebration for anglers of all ages and skill levels! Mark Vincent of Advantage DJ brought his “Porta Party” to provide music and assist with prize announcements. The Bishop Lions Club served up delicious hamburgers, while Friends of the Fair sold adult beverages. Berkley Representative Greg Mobley handed out free samples of Power Bait and helped distribute prizes. Inyo & Mono Co. 4-H members provided fish cleaning service. Attendees enjoyed spinning the Wanaaha Casino prize wheel and visiting booths from Sierra Bright Dot Fly Fishing and the Crowley Lake Fish Foundation. Even those who didn’t catch any fish had a chance to win fantastic raffle prizes.

Organized by the Bishop Chamber of Commerce, the event wouldn’t have been possible without the support of more than 20 volunteers who helped with everything from set-up and clean-up to registration, raffles, and fish weighing. The Chamber is deeply grateful for the continued support of its many co-sponsors, including: