About

The Annual Neal Taylor Nature Center Fish Derby

About the Event

The Neal Taylor Nature Center Fish Derby is an annual event that has been taking place at Lake Cachuma in Santa Barbara, CA since the mid 90s. Every year, hundreds of people venture out for weekend of fun, fishing, and festivities.

The event hosts a variety of activities. People of all ages are welcome to participate. Ages 5 and up can participate in the fish weighing contest, and earn cash and fishing gear prizes.  There are also several raffles, with prizes that include fishing gear, gift baskets, local restaurant gift certificates, lake cruises, and more.

Other activities include arts & crafts, workshops, bait-making stations, live music at HOOK’d bar & grill, boat rentals, an on-site disc golf course, and several biking and hiking trails surrounding Cachuma Lake.

Camping is available at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area during the event, and is booked separately through the Santa Barbara County website. Reservations fill up quick, so make sure you plan far in advance!

This is a family-friendly event, and all are welcome! We look forward to welcoming you to the Fish Derby!

The Fish Derby is a fundraiser for The Neal Taylor Nature Center, a non-profit that operates within the Cachuma Lake Recreation Area. Founded in 1988, the Neal Taylor Nature Center at Cachuma Lake is celebrating over three decades of connecting kids and adults to discovering the wonders of their own backyard – Cachuma Lake and the Santa Ynez watershed. The nature center hosts thousands of people every year and helps educate the masses about the wonders of the natural ecology and history of the Santa Ynez River Valley. Learn more about clnaturecenter.org/about