Crowley Fish Foundation

Bishop Trout Rodeo
2025-12-02 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Tri County Fairgrounds, 475 Sierra St,, Bishop, California, 93514

Juniors Bug Sling Off
2026-02-07 08:00 - 17:00 | California
We’re excited to announce the first Trout Rodeo “Juniors Bug Sling Off,” which is a Youth Clinic and Fly Fishing Derby at the 2026 Trout Rodeo!! (Conducted as a collaboration between the Crowley Fish Foundation – CFF and the Southwest Council of Fly Fishers International – SWCFFI)

We’ll be teaching kids ages 10 to 18 the basics of fly fishing in a round-robin clinic on Saturday morning, February 7, 2026.

Flyfishing Equipment and Basic Knots

Casting a Fly Rod

Entomology (Bugs) and Matching Flies

Fly Tying

After the clinic, the young anglers will head to a local stream to test their new skills and knowledge while fishing for local trout! We’ll be coaching the young slingers streamside. Afterwards, there will be recognition and awards, including prizes for First Fish, Biggest Fish, and Most Fish. The awards will be a set of trout flies and a fly box.

Registration: Please contact Carl Crawford at youth@swcffi.org to registerParent Responsibilities

Participating anglers aged 16 and older must have a valid CA fishing license on the day of the event!

Parents, we’ll need your help and cooperation! We ask that you attend to supervise your kids during the festivities, and you are responsible for transporting them to and from the fishing location.

We will supply all the required fishing gear. Registration is limited to 15 youth anglers. The entry fee is $10.

Each participant must dress appropriately for the weather and MUST wear protective eyewear or sunglasses!

A signed liability release form is required from each participant.

Blake Jones Trout Derby
2026-03-21 08:00 - 17:00 | California
*** CFF plans to have an informational booth at the Blake Jones Trout Derby from 11:00 am – 4:30 pm — come by and say hi to us! ***

Every year, nearly $10,000 worth of cash and prizes are awarded, including float tubes, rods & reels, gift certificates to local shops and restaurants, and more. The Blake Jones derby is a blind bogey format with categories for adults and kids of all ages. In addition to the blind bogey awards, there will be prizes for early bird registrations, biggest fish, and even prizes for those who choose to catch & release. Registration, weigh-in, and awards ceremony will be at downtown Bishop’s Eastern Sierra Tri-County Fairgrounds. Fishing locations include Pleasant Valley Reservoir and the Owens River near Bishop. The Bishop Chamber will arrange for supplemental stocking of fish purchased from Wright’s Rainbows before the derby. “We want to make sure there are plenty of fish for everyone,” explains April Kress, Event Coordinator at the Bishop Chamber of Commerce. “The derby is a real family-friendly fishing event. In addition to the fishing contest, we’ll have information booths, educational displays, kids’ casting games, activities, and more,” Kress added.

BLAKE JONES TROUT DERBY RULES

All fish entered must be caught on the day of the derby.

Participants must catch and enter their own fish – up to five(5) total fish.

All fish must be weighed in/ checked-in BEFORE 3 pm at Tri-County Fairgrounds – no exceptions.

Prizes will be awarded beginning at 4 pm, winners must be present to claim prizes.

All fish entered must be caught in waters that are open for fishing as indicated by CADFW Regulations.

All participants must hold a current valid California fishing license.

All CADFW regulations apply. If you are unsure of the regulations, visit https://wildlife.ca.gov/Regulations#freshwaterfishing

Fly Fishers International Southwest Council FlyBuy 2026
2026-04-11 08:00 - 17:00 | Long Beach Casting Club
A fly fishing super-fun day!

The Yard Sale is the LARGEST of its kind on the entire West Coast.

Fly tying demonstrations by some of the best tyers in SoCal – you can ask questions while watching, and learn skills and tricks that will help in your own fly-tying

Casting demonstrations all day – Individual casting instruction $1 per minute – if your casting does not improve, we will give you your money back. No questions asked. As FlyBuy history stands, we have NEVER had a dissatisfied customer!

Vendors & sponsors showing off their latest gear AND offering show specials

Raffles throughout the day as well as our Silent Auction.

Lunch is included

`If you have items for donation to the Yard Sale or Raffle, please contact Leigh Ann Swanson at president@swcffi.org

Kern River Trout Fest
2026-04-18 10:00 - 14:00 | Riverside Park
With over 20 vendors, organizations, and agencies, you’ll find everything you need to celebrate and support recreational and conservation fishing. Enjoy casting clinics, fly tying, trout-themed painting classes, and more!

Best of all, CADFW will be bringing a truck full of fish for kids to release into the river—an unforgettable experience for young anglers.

Power Lunch: Golden Mussels & Protecting Our Waters
2026-04-21 12:00 - 13:30 | The EATery @Mammoth Brewing Co. 18 Lake Mary Rd. Mammoth Lakes, 18 Lake Mary Rd., Mammoth Lakes, California, United States
Crowley Fish Foundation Advisor Nick Buckmaster will talk about the history of the Golden Mussel, known risk factors, and what’s being done to keep it out of the Eastern Sierra—while there’s still time. Come join the discussion at this “Power Lunch” event focused on a very real and serious issue potentially facing our local waters—the Golden Mussel. You can learn more and register for the lunch at the link below.

Lone Pine Trout Derby
2026-04-25 06:00 - 15:00 | California
Here Fishy, Fishy, Fishy!

Sign up starts at 6:00-8:00am at Diaz Lake.Derby starts at 6:30am.Fish until 3PM weigh in.

Kids 11 years and under are FREE with paid adult.$15.00 General Admission*Be sure you have your California State Fishing License.

Tagged Trout

Free Doughnuts & coffee at sign up

Prizes for children up to 11, juniors up to 15, and adults.

Prizes for kids 11 and under, who catch a fish.

Gardner’s True Value and Lone Pine Rocks and Gifts are sponsoring a $800.00 Blind Bogey.

Our trout derby is made possible through Inyo County, donations of our members and business owners and hard work of our local volunteers.

Crowley Fish Foundation Inaugural Trout Stocking
2026-05-05 08:00 - 09:00 | California
Bishop, CA, April 22, 2026: Crowley Fish Foundation (“CFF”) is proud to announce its inaugural trout stocking event has been scheduled for Tuesday, May 5, 2026, from approximately 8:00 am – 9:00 am. A stocking truck will deposit the fish into Crowley Lake at Hilton Bay. The inaugural trout stocking is the result of donations raised from the CFF’s generous supporters, and will include approximately 1,600 pounds of one to three pound trout delivered into the water. These quality fish are raised at the Desert Springs Trout Farm in Summer Lake, Oregon.

“The Foundation is thrilled to have finally raised enough funds from our selfless supporters to put fish in the lake. The quality of fish raised at Desert Springs is top notch. This is only the first of a few stockings that we will do this year, based on the financial support of those who believe in us. It’s awesome to see that we are moving the needle,” says CFF Board Secretary Chris Leonard.

Among these released trout will be ten (10) specially tagged trophy trout, weighing roughly five pounds each. Any tagged trout that is caught will be redeemable for a special prize, to include guide trips and gift cards to local establishments! Further details and rules of the tagged trophy trout challenge will be available on the CFF’s website. Please note that tags can be safely removed from the fish for catch and release anglers.

Crowley Fish Foundation was established in May 2024, and under the leadership of its all-volunteer Board of Directors and Board of Advisors (see directors and advisors here) has grown immensely in two years. The Foundation works with several public and private organizations to ensure that future generations can enjoy world class trout fishing in Southern Mono County. Teaching kids how to fish and taking veterans fishing is a cornerstone of the non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. CFF supports scientific research efforts and surveys conducted at Crowley Lake and its tributaries, and regularly hosts free fly tying clinics in the local community. The CFF is also a proud partner with the California Department of Fish & Wildlife. CFF is a leading organization dedicated to preserving the Crowley Lake region’s reputation as a world class fishing location, through its focus on conservation, sustainability, education and community engagement in the world of Eastern Sierra fishing.

Please come celebrate this special event with the CFF team. Everyone is invited. You can find more information about CFF or make a donation at www.crowleyfishfoundation.org.

For more information, please contact:

Chris Leonard

Board Director and Secretary, Crowley Fish Foundation

Email: cleonard@crowleyfishfoundation.org

Telephone: 442.436.2666

You can find more information about CFF or make a donation at www.crowleyfishfoundation.org.

CFF Hosts Lake Fishing Outing for Kids (ages 10-18)
2026-05-09 08:00 - 11:30 | California
Want to go fishing on Crowley Lake? Crowley Fish Foundation is hosting a lake outing for local Mammoth kids (ages 10 – 18) on the morning of Saturday, May 9. We will meet at Crowley Lake Marina at 8AM and fish until 1130AM. All participants and legal guardians will be required to sign a liability release waiver. Spaces are limited. If you are interested, email Crowley Fish Foundation Board Secretary Chris Leonard at cleonard@crowleyfishfoundation.org, or call 818.288.3271

Science on Tap
2026-06-24 18:00 - 20:00 | Mammoth Brewing, 18 Lake Mary Road, Mammoth Lakes, California, United States
The No Hot Creek Mine coalition is hosting a science symposium at Mammoth Brewing. Enjoy your favorite IPA or pilsner on tap and a good burger while learning from scientists about the importance of protecting Hot Creek. Meet at Mammoth Brewing in the basement. 18 Lake Mary Road, Mammoth Lakes, California

Community Fly Tying Workshop (Free)
2026-07-01 17:00 - 19:00, 2026-07-15 17:00 - 19:00, 2026-07-29 17:00 - 19:00, 2026-08-05 17:00 - 19:00, 2026-08-19 17:00 - 19:00 | Bishop Country Club, 1325 US-395, Bishop, CA, 93514, United States
Come join members of the Crowley Fish Foundation for a fly tying workshop for anyone who wants to attend. These are great family events. All ability levels and ages are welcome. Whether you are an experienced fly tyer or would like to try fly tying for the first time! These workshops will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Bishop Country Club. Please email Jarett Coons to RSVP. jcz.coons@gmail.com

Mammoth Lakes 4th of July Parade
2026-07-04 11:00 - 12:30 | California
The Crowley Fish Foundation will once again have a float in the parade. Come join us to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary (1776-2026). The parade begins at 11am and wraps around 12:30pm. Bring your camp chairs, wear your red, white, and blue, and enjoy the parade as it moves through town. Click here to download the parade map.

Kid's Fishing Festival
2026-07-25 08:00 - 13:00 | SnowCreek Ponds on Old Mammoth Road, Mammoth Lakes
Crowley Fish Foundation is pleased to be one of the co-sponsors of the 37th Annual Kid’s Fish Festival at the SnowCreek Ponds on Old Mammoth Road, Mammoth Lakes on July 25, 2026. The primary sponsor is the Town of Mammoth Lakes which has provided the funding for the festival. This popular event is FREE for kids 14 and under and will run from 8 am to 1 pm. Rods and reels are provided or you can bring your own, and volunteers will be there to teach casting techniques. Be sure to bring eye protection (sunglasses). Fisheries staff from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife will be on hand to teach the kids about California’s trout fisheries. Kids will receive information on the life of a hatchery trout along with a special coloring book and a junior fishing license. Local mascots are coming to entertain the kids and provide fun photo ops. Bucky from June Mountain Ski Area will be joined by Woolly from Mammoth Mountain Ski Area and Sparky from the Mammoth Lakes Fire Department. For more information: www.kidsfishfest.com

Join CFF at the Cardinal Village Resort Kids Fish Camp
2026-07-28 08:00 - 17:00 | Cardinal Village Resort, 321 Cardinal Rd, Bishop, CA 93514, USA
Crowley Fish Foundation volunteers will be present at the upcoming Cardinal Village Resort Kids Fish Camp. The CFF booth will have a coloring station to help kids draw pictures of trout. There will also be fly tying instruction and kids can learn to tie flies. Please bring your kids over to the booth for a sticker and some coloring or fly tying fun!

Event description from Cardinal Village Resort:

Learn the basics of fishing through fun, hands-on clinics designed for kids of all skill levels! Join our family for our first ever Kids Fish Camp at Cardinal Village resort on Tuesday July 28th, 2026. At this day camp, we will have four educational, hands-on clinics per age group focused on identifying fish, knot tying, rigging, casting and even catching your own fish! All the necessary equipment will be provided but you are also welcome to bring your own fishing gear. ALL kids MUST be accompanied by an adult. We will have raffles and prizes. PLEASE NOTE: limited spots are available, we are operating on a first come, first serve basis so in order to get in line, you MUST respond to the Questionnaire linked to the QR code or email the organizer directly. The fun starts at 9AM at Cardinal Village Lodge. Grand Finale includes all participants catch their own fish at the pond.Age Group Schedule:Ages 5–6: 9AMAges 7–8: 10:15 AMAges 9–10: 11:30 AMAges 11–13: 12:30 PMFree Event • Limited Spots Available

Great Kern River Cleanup
2026-09-12 08:00 - 17:00 | California
The Great Kern River Cleanup is the premier volunteer event focused on removing trash and restoring the health of the Mighty Kern throughout Sequoia National Forest. This cleanup is an annual event coordinated by the Sierra Nevada Conservancy and this statewide effort—coordinated by the Sierra Nevada Alliance, in conjunction with California Coastal Cleanup Day—serves to promote good stewardship on all of our waterways, from the source at 14,000 ft., to the sea, the Pacific Ocean.

Silver Lake Resort Rush Creek Clean Up
2026-09-19 09:00 - 12:00 | Silver Lake Resort RV Picnic Area
Silver Lake Resort Rush Creek Clean Up

Saturday, September 19th

In Cooperation with The Federation Of Fly Fishers

Meet at Silver Lake Resort RV Picnic Area at 9am Free BBQ and Raffle for Participants between 9am and Noon

When: 9am to 12pm

2026 12th Annual Owens River Clean Up
2026-10-03 08:00 - 12:00 | Pleasant Valley Campground
The 12th Annual Owens River Annual Clean Up in Bishop, California is Saturday, October 3, 2026. Meet at 8:00 am at Pleasant Valley Campground on the east side of the metal footbridge. Bring gloves. Be prepared to help clean up as much of the river as we can. Bring family and friends! The more people, the cleaner the river! Coffee and baked good provided for all volunteers at 8:00 am. Lunch will be provided for all volunteers at 12 pm @ Pleasant Valley Campground where we meet. There is a free raffle for participants with a lot of swag to be given away! Talk it up. Bring family and friends. This is our chance to annually clean up Bishop’s blue ribbon moving water fishery. If you’d like to donate swag or help sponsor the event, reach out to CFF board member Chris Leonard at 818.288.3271.
