The Fishing Tournament Frequently Asked Questions

October 10 11, and 12, 2025

NOW 4/15/25! Online or at the Visitor Center

1. On our Online Store

2. Chamber Visitor Center - 33 N. Second Street, Rio Vista, CA 94571

3. Bait Shops After Aug 1st

1. Bait shops:  Close of business on Thursday, Oct 10

2. Online:  5:30am, Friday, Oct 11

3. Rio VIsta Visitor Center:  5:00pm, Thursday, Oct 10th.
   33 N. Second Street, Rio Vista, CA 94571

Last day we can mail is Sept 30 at 4:00pm

At the Visitor Center during our scheduled hours
At the Weigh Station on Friday, Oct 11, after 9:00am.  (foot of Main St by river / City Hall)

Anglers may fish from San Francisco Bay to Sacramento

What is safe / legally allowed

If there is a guide, then all occupants need a derby ticket to be eligible.

6:00am, Friday, Oct 11th

• Sep Hendricks California Sportsman
  show

• Facebook, "Rio Vista Bass Derby & Festival"

• Visitor Center:  answering machine

• Visitor Center:  posted on window

• This website online Store

• Weigh Station:  9:00am, Friday Oct 11

In 2024 only 2 contestants brought in 2 entries. We had many entries with only 1 fish so the odds are good even with 1 fish entry. We had enough prizes to give every entry a prize beyond the big money prize.

Entries are posted 1-2 times each day on Facebook,
"Rio Vista Bass Derby and Festival"

Since our tournament has been a 3 species tournament for many years, we felt it was necessary to change up the rules while Sturgeon & Salmon are not fishable. These rules were carefully crafted with the California Striped Bass Association so that we could make it a great event and keep fishermen the excited for a full weekend of fishing. We realize that change is difficult, but we have been hit hard with the loss of the Salmon & Sturgeon, and we hope you will give it a chance!

Upon arrival at the weigh station with a fish entry, the Weigh Master will evaluate the fish for length and weight. At that time the contestant will have the opportunity to decide which category fits best for the entry. Once entered, either category no additional entries may be made in that category for the day and no changes may be made. You may enter another fish in the second category for that day. The fish must be caught the day it is turned in.

The winning fish will be determined in a 2-step method: 1st by the length that it fits in the official widths and then all of the weights are combined for the 3 days. This will determine the winner.

Questions will gladly be answered by submitting them to info@riovista.org. Fine tuning of the regulations will be published by July 1, 2025.