Annual Del Bishop Optimist Kid’s Fishing Derby set for April 19 at Atascadero Lake

By Atascadero News · Thu Mar 19 2026

ATASCADERO — Optimist Club of Paso Robles and Optimist Club of Atascadero will host the Annual Del Bishop Optimist Kid’s Fishing Derby on Sunday, April 19, at Atascadero Lake. Children under 15 are invited to fish for a chance to win the Grand Prize, selected from a variety of new rods, reels, tackle boxes, and fishing gear. Participants aged 16 and older must have a state-issued fishing license.

Event Details:

• Onsite Registration: 8 a.m. (pre-registration recommended via Eventbrite.com)
• Free Participation Includes: Equipment rental, bait, instruction, and a hot dog lunch
• Final Weigh-In: 12 p.m., followed by lunch and awards

Prizes will be awarded for largest fish, smallest fish, and largest stringer. The lake features largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill, perch, and occasionally planted rainbow trout. All state fishing regulations will be enforced.

The derby honors Del Bishop, a local tournament fisherman and longtime Optimist Club member who founded the event and passed away last spring. The event is funded by the clubs’ Annual Optimist Festival of Trees, voluntary donations, and support from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and is completely free of charge.

The Optimist Clubs are local chapters of Optimist International, dedicated to improving the lives of young people in the community. Those interested in joining or volunteering can contact Jerry Tanimoto at (805) 423-3364 or Chuck Sawyer at (805) 591-9590.