The second annual Crowley Lake Challenge is set to kick off on April 26 and will run through June 29, offering anglers a unique opportunity to combine their passion for fishing with meaningful scientific research. This citizen science fishing event invites anglers of all skill levels to participate, contributing valuable data to support the health and management of Crowley Lake’s trout population. Participants will have a chance to win a share of $5,000 in prizes, including special categories like “Most Fish Caught,” “Most Fish Released,” and “Longest Fish.” Additional prizes will be awarded for early registrations and referrals, encouraging more anglers to get involved.
What sets the Crowley Lake Challenge apart from traditional fishing competitions is its focus on conservation and data collection. The event is conducted in partnership with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and uses the MyCatch mobile app, where anglers report their catches in real time. This data helps biologists conduct a census of the lake’s fish population and measure harvest levels. There is no entry fee, making it accessible to anyone interested in both fishing and contributing to scientific research.
Sean Simmons, founder and president of MyCatch, highlights the importance of angler participation: “What makes these events unique is how we combine the fun of fishing for prizes with the ability to collect high-quality data on the trout fishery. By having the anglers actively engaged and leading the data collection, it demonstrates how the angling community can play a meaningful role in the management and conservation of the resource.”
The Crowley Fish Foundation, a key partner in the event, urges all participants to use the app and report their catches, reinforcing their mission to maintain Crowley Lake and its tributaries as a world-class fishing destination for future generations. Reporting all fish caught is crucial for biologists to understand the lake’s population structure accurately. To encourage this, prize categories such as “Most Fish Released” and “Release Video” are offered, rewarding anglers who practice catch-and-release and document their efforts.
While prizes add excitement, the real reward lies in playing an active role as a citizen scientist. Anglers’ contributions provide critical data that help shape sustainable fishing practices and preserve the lake’s ecosystem. Simmons emphasizes this, stating, “It is important that anglers report all fish they catch in order for biologists to properly understand the population structure.”
For those interested in joining the challenge, registration is simple. Anglers can sign up by scanning the QR code provided or by visiting the event’s webpage. For more information on last year’s results and prize winners, visit https://www.anglersatlas.com/event/785/2024-crowley-lake-challenge-2024. For further details, contact Sean Simmons at sean@anglersatlas.com.
“Secret spots stay secret,” Simmons assures participants, emphasizing that exact fishing locations are never shared with the public, ensuring both privacy and conservation of the lake’s delicate ecosystem.
Download the full Crowley Lake Challenge press release here.