CLEARLAKE OAKS, Calif. – The Catfish Derby Committee and the Clearlake Oaks-Glenhaven Business Association have decided to postpone the annual Catfish Derby scheduled for May 15, 16 and 17 in Clearlake Oaks.

“Continuing concerns about the risks associated with the spread of the COVID (coronavirus), especially with large crowds and the fact that most of our volunteers are seniors, have informed our decision,” said Derby organizer Dennis Locke.

Sponsored by the Clearlake Oaks-Glenhaven Business Association, the derby will be rescheduled.

The new dates are Aug. 21, 22 and 23. The location and times will remain the same.

“Our Board of Directors, in consultation with Dennis Locke, were unanimous in the decision to postpone the derby to later in the year when we hope the threats are better understood and the virus is contained,” said Association President Camille Gouldberg.

“Registrations had begun coming in,” said Locke. “We have already begun the process of contacting each registrant.”

The Catfish Derby is an annual event and the largest of its kind west of the Mississippi.

“We usually see from 900 to 1,000 registered anglers plus their families and friends,” said Locke. “It’s an important boost to our local economy and countywide; planning for a later event is well underway.”

For the latest updates on the derby, other events and association meetings, please check our website at www.clearlakeoaks.org and Facebook pages at Catfish Derby at the Oaks and Clearlake Oaks-Glenhaven Business Association.

Please call the derby phone, 707-596-0548, if you have any questions.