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Written by: Lake County News reports

Published: 25 February 2024

CLEARLAKE OAKS, Calif. — Preparations already are underway for the annual Clearlake Oaks Catfish Derby.

At its January dinner meeting, the Clearlake Oaks-Glenhaven Business Association opened the new year to a full house and a packed agenda with speakers from Totes 4 Teens and the District Attorney’s Office.

Newly elected president Matthew St. Clair began the meeting with a moment of silence for Helen Locke, a long-time officer, valued contributor to the association and the community.

“We will miss Helen and offer our support to her husband, Dennis Locke, chair of the Catfish Derby committee,” St. Clair said.

St. Clair then thanked Sherry Harris and her team for informing members of the work her organization does to make sure foster teens are not forgotten and Susan Krones for her informative talk on the many scams out there and how to avoid getting tricked into handing over personal information — and money.

St. Clair then announced the new officers and officially kicked off the 40th annual Catfish Derby.

The Catfish Derby is a one-of-a-kind event that draws nearly 1,000 anglers and their families and friends to Clearlake Oaks.

“It’s a boost for our economy,” St. Clair said. “Nearby resorts, hotels and campgrounds fill up and shopping at our grocery stores and bait and tackle shops benefit from the influx of visitors who also dine at our restaurants and take in the other sights and all our county has to offer.”

Along with his wife Stacy, St. Clair is a long-standing volunteer of the Catfish Derby committee that is once again chaired by Dennis Locke.

He credited Locke with the success of the derby, noting his committee of volunteers have been working out the details of the three-day event since last November.

Reached by phone for this article, Locke noted that last year the derby drew 958 anglers, their families and friends.

“For a small community like ours — about 2,200 residents — that’s a crowd,” he said. “The outstanding lake conditions brought in the crowds last year and it’s shaping up to be another good year. A full lake bodes well for our milestone 40th anniversary.”

According to Locke there are other catfishing derbies but none that bear the distinction of being the largest of its kind west of the Mississippi — and occurring in an ancient lake considered to be the largest fresh warm water lake in the nation.

“The annual 3-day event is definitely a family affair and, for some, a long-time tradition,” he said.

Locke estimates 80% fish as families with 60% of the registered anglers hail from outside of the County, coming from all over the United States.

Many anglers bring along their family that don’t register to fish but come to cheer on their dads, moms, other family members and friends. Last year, 15 members of the Parish family attended.

“They all came to honor the legacy of Albert Parish Sr., who had recently passed away and was a derby faithful, attending the derby for 18 years. The Parish family came from Oklahoma, Kentucky, Tennessee, Texas and Southern California,” Locke said. “It’s families like these that make the derby unique and a whole lot of fun.”

The business association sponsors the event each year — fronting the money to keep the derby going.

“Last year the derby raised $25,000. The proceeds go right back into the Clearlake Oaks and nearby communities to support academic and sports programs, elder needs, and other nonprofits. The more we raise the more we give back to our communities,” said Dennis Krentz, the association treasurer.

The 2024 Derby will be held at the Clearlake Oaks Fire Station from May 17 to 19.

This year $10,000 in prizes will be awarded in three categories — one for adult entries and two for youngsters.

As is the tradition, there will be lots of raffles and great prizes. Derby T-shirts and hats will be on sale and there is a discount for all who register by May 16.

Advance registration is now open at www.clearlakeoaks.org/derby. Onsite registration starts at noon on Thursday, May 16.

Trophies and cash are given out on the last day of the derby where everyone enjoys the awards ceremony, a fabulous meal and camaraderie.

St. Clair encourages everyone to check out the association website to stay informed of meeting details.

“We meet on the fourth Thursday of the month at the Moose Lodge in the Oaks,” he said. “Everyone is welcome to attend our dinner meetings — visitors and new members alike. We hope you’ll consider joining our dynamic organization.”