The Eel River Pikeminnow Fishing Derby is back again, after over 500 fish were caught in the 2024 derby. The derby is put on by a collaboration of groups working to restore native fishes in the Eel River. From now through August 31st, anyone with a fishing license (or if under 16 years of age, no license is necessary) can go and catch pikeminnow on the Eel for a chance to win up to $500, with $2,500 in cash prizes! There is no entry fee. Data from your catches can help managers aid in the conservation of our native fishes. Pikeminnow were introduced to the Eel River via Pillsbury Reservoir in the late 1970’s. Since then, they have spread to all the forks of the Eel and are remarkably prolific. … The waters open to fishing for the derby are: 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, and the Van Duzen from Grizzly Creek to the mouth of the Van Duzen.