FISHERMEN have a chance to take home their share of $5,000 in prizes if they target a specific invasive species.
But the tournament is nearing its halfway point, and the competition heating up for the 1.7million Americans eligible to participate.
Fishermen can get paid for their pastime in a rare opportunity offered by an ongoing government-sponsored tournament Credit: GettyThe Sacramento Pikeminnow is an invasive species that targets salmon and other native fish to California’s Eel River Credit: Alamy
The 2026 Eel River Pikeminnow Fishing Derby began in California on July 1, but is running until August 31.
It gives Californians with a valid fishing license, about 1.7million of which were issued in 2025, the chance to participate and compete for cash prizes.
Doing so also helps the Eel River and its tributaries by targeting the invasive Sacramento Pikeminnow species, which preys on native salmonids and lamprey.
