Eel River Pikeminnow Fishing Derby
2025 July 1st - August 31st

2025 Pikeminnow Derby Winners

Thank you! Hope you had fun competing in the 2025 Pikeminnow Derby. Though the number of pikeminnow in the Eel is staggering, we are hopeful the derby combined with ongoing suppression efforts will positively affect native fishes. Looking forward to next year, with the potential to expand the derby range and prizes!

1,118 pikeminnow were caught

260 were over 12 inches

The largest was 21.75 inches

31 people participated

Come and get em'!
$2,500 in cash prizes

To enter into the contest you must provide a valid (google) email address and upload a photo of your fish. Thanks for participating and doing your part to protect native fishes in the Eel River. Here are the prize categories:

  1. Most pikeminnow (greater than 6 inches) removed over the duration of the contest. (1st-$250, 2nd-$150, 3rd-$100)

  2. Most pikeminnow (greater than 12 inches) removed over the duration of the contest. MUST include tape measure in photo. (1st-$500, 2nd-$350, 3rd-$250)

  3. Biggest fish (length). MUST include tape measure in photo. (1st-$250, 2nd-$150, 3rd-$100)

  4. Drawing for kids (under 18) that entered a pikeminnow in the contest. (8 winners – $50/each)

Contest rules:
  • For online form, submit entries using one email address. All entries at the end of the contest for the “most pikeminnow…” will be tallied by participant name.
  • For Mail in Form- mail in forms must be postmarked on or before September 3. Send a copy of your photo(s), minimum size 3”x5” each, along with completed entry form to:
     CalTrout
    1380 9th St.
    Arcata, CA 95521
  • Individual contestants can win no more than one prize category. In the case of multiple wins, the largest prize amount will be awarded.
  • Cheating or falsification of entries will result in automatic disqualification
Conservation statement:
Sacramento pikeminnow are a native fish to California but were introduced to the Eel in the 1970’s. Sacramento pikeminnow are piscivorous (eat other fish) and have been found to consume native salmonids and lamprey among other fishes in the Eel River. On top of the many stressors affecting the Eel River such as drought, habitat availability, and other climate change impacts pikeminnow can have a significant effect on native fish populations. Therefore, research on Sacramento pikeminnow in the Eel River can help managers aid in the conservation of our native fishes.
 
Contestants will follow all CDFW fishing regulations, including no bait, barbless artificial lures only. Single barbless hooks are recommended for all manners of effort including, fly, and artificial lures. All waters open to angling on the South Fork Eel River downstream of the Humboldt County line to the confluence with the mainstem. The mainstem Eel from Dos Rios to the mouth of the Van Duzen. The Van Duzen from Grizzly Creek to the mouth of the Van Duzen.
 
Eel river regulations currently state there is no bag limit on pikeminnow. Retention of salmonids is strictly prohibited.

Strict compliance with Fish and Game Code Section 1.87: WASTE OF FISH; it is unlawful to cause or permit any deterioration or waste of any fish taken in the waters of this state.

Suggestions for fish use: consumption, gardening fertilizer, crab bait, or research. Fish to be donated for research purposes can be dropped off at the Table Bluff Reservation during business hours (M-F, 9am-4pm).

Prohibited actions: Throwing fish on the bank or into the river, any blatant waste of fish.

Any violation of Fish and Game Code Section 1.87 will be subject to law enforcement prosecution.

Photos from poor angles or of bad quality are subject to disqualification.

Waters included in this fishing derby. The red points mark the boundaries of the derby.

Enter your pikeminnow here

"If you can't beat 'em eat 'em"

Recipe: Pikeminnow Fish Cakes

1. Fillet pikeminnow and remove skin.

2. Grind fillet using a meat grinder or food processor. This will either separate the dreaded y-bones from the meat or obliterate them into your patties. Alternate option is to cut out the y-bones following one of the many online tutorials.

 

3. Add ginger, Chinese five spice, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and 1 egg depending on the amount of minnow you have.

4. Drop fish cakes into pan with shallow amount of hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides.

5. Make dipping sauce with soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and toasted sesame oil.

Enjoy! Don’t believe the common misconception that pikeminnow are inedible. They are delicious, they just need extra care to deal with the y-bones.  

Warning: It is recommended men over 18 and women over 50 eat no more than one serving of pikeminnow per week. All other groups should abstain from eating this fish. See the full fish advisory report here.