BY MIKE STEVENS
BISHOP – The Bishop Chamber of Commerce board of directors decided to postpone the annual Blake Jones Trout Derby that was originally on the calendar for March 13. As of now, no new date has been announced.
“We are hopeful that by mid-to-late summer it will be safe to gather and celebrate the long- standing traditions of the Blake Jones Derby,” noted Chamber Event Coordinator April Leeson. As soon as a new date is chosen, it will be posted on Bishop Visitor.com and the chamber’s social media platforms.”
The long-running and very popular event draws anglers from all over the state to fish year-round waters in the Owens Valley including Pleasant Valley Reservoir and the lower Owens River to name the two most popular spots.
The Blake Jones Derby has over half-a-century in its rear view, but there have been hiccups in recent years including the 2017 installment being canceled for safety reasons when the runoff following the “miracle winter” blew out the Lower O. Last year with Covid-related measures in place, adjustments had to be made, including passing on a public weigh in and awards ceremony.