California Pays Anglers $5,000 to Catch Invasive Pikeminnows Keith Lusher 08.04.26California anglers have a unique opportunity to earn cash while helping protect one of the state’s struggling native fisheries. The 2026 Eel River Pikeminnow Fishing Derby is offering $5,000 in prize money to anglers who catch Sacramento pikeminnow, an invasive fish that preys on juvenile salmon, steelhead, and Pacific lamprey throughout Northern California’s Eel River watershed. Unlike traditional fishing tournaments that reward prized game fish, this event encourages anglers to remove as many Sacramento pikeminnow as possible. Anglers who catch the most Sacramento pikeminnow longer than six inches can win $550 for first place, $450 for second, and $400 for third. Qualifying catches may come from the South Fork Eel River downstream of the Humboldt County line to its confluence with the mainstem Eel River.