Essential Fish Derby Info - Raffle, Badge Pickup, On-site Registration and more!



Camp Host Positions

Starting May 2026

Would you like to contribute to a great organization while living in the spectacular environment of Cachuma Lake? Our camp hosts volunteer 20 hours a week at the Nature Center in exchange for a full-hookup RV site...


ONLINE REGISTRATION CLOSES ON APRIL 16

Mail-in registrations must be postmarked by April 11


FISH DERBY FORECAST

source: weather.com


ON-SITE REGISTRATION DURING FISH DERBY WEEKEND

Fri, April 17, 2026 at 12 noon to Sun, April 19 at 12 noon.

Where to Register over Fish Derby Weekend:

Register at the Nature Center:

Friday, April 17 from 12 noon to 10p.m.

Saturday, April 18 from 6a.m. to 12 noon

Register at the Marina:

Saturday, April 18 from noon to 6p.m.

Sunday, April 19 from 6a.m. to 12 noon


EARLY REGISTRATION BADGE PICKUP

You must bring a valid, government-issued ID to pick up your badge.

Badges must be worn at all times during the event to participate.

If you registered BEFORE April 4, 2026, packets and badges will be available for pickup at The Neal Taylor Nature Center starting on April 10 - April 16, 2026. They can be picked up at the Neal Taylor Nature Center, only during open hours:

Thursdays-Saturdays - 10AM-4PM

Sundays - 10AM-2PM


All Registration Badges can be picked up at the Fish Derby:

Fri, April 17, 2026 at 12 noon to Sun, April 19 at 12 noon.

Where:

At the Nature Center:

Friday, April 17 from 12 noon to 10p.m.

Saturday, April 18 from 6a.m. to 12 noon

At the Marina:

Saturday, April 18 from noon to 6p.m.

Sunday, April 19 from 6a.m. to 12 noon

If you have any questions, please please call 805-693-0691


RAFFLE INFORMATION

Raffle tickets can be purchased at the Fish Derby event, next to registration and badge pickup.

Raffle Tickets

RAFFLE TICKETS may be purchased by anyone, even if you are not registered in the Derby - A person need not be present to win the raffle prizes or the guaranteed cash prizes.

Door Prizes - NO PURCHASE NECESSARY

Each person registered in the Derby is eligible to win one of the donated door prizes and must be present at the Sunday Awards Program to win a door prize.

A very special thanks to our 2026 merchandise donors:


THERE'S STILL TIME TO DONATE TO THE FISH DERBY OR BECOME A SPONSOR!

See all sponsors >


FISH DERBY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

We need volunteers to help with registration, weighing fish, cooking, running the raffle station, taking photos, office work and more during Derby weekend Friday, April 17th through Sunday, April 19th .

The Fish Derby runs on a community of enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers. Join us and help make the event a fun and memorable weekend!

We also have camping spots available for those who would like to volunteer for the Fish Derby.

Derby volunteers are invited to a special Appreciation Dinner with Pasta, Salad, and Bread from Leonardos Ristorante & Pizzeria on Saturday, April 18 th at 6:30PM at the Nature Center.

Want to volunteer? Email us: ​troutderby@clnaturecenter.org​


The mission of the Neal Taylor Nature Center at Cachuma Lake is to encourage public understanding, enjoyment, and protection of Cachuma Lake, the Upper Santa Ynez River, and the San Rafael Mountain Range Watershed.

Copyright © 2026 Neal Taylor Nature Center, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you are a supporter of the Nature Center. Thank you for your continued support!

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CONTACT US

info@clnaturecenter.org
+1 805-693-0691

Neal Taylor Nature Center, 2265 Highway 154 , Santa Barbara, CA 93105


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Neal Taylor Nature Center

The mission of the Neal Taylor Nature Center at Cachuma Lake is to encourage public understanding, enjoyment, and protection of Cachuma Lake, the Upper Santa Ynez River, and the San Rafael Mountain Range Watershed.

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