5,000 Pounds of Catfish Stocked for Fishing Derby

RivCoParks is Celebrating Veterans Day Weekend by Stocking Approximately 5,000 pounds of Catfish at Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park in Preparation for Annual Veterans Fishing Derby on Nov. 14.

LA QUINTA – The Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District (RivCoParks) is celebrating Veterans Day weekend with stocking approximately 5,000 pounds of catfish at Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park in preparation for the annual Veterans Fishing Derby on Saturday, Nov. 14.

This year’s derby is made possible through the generous support of community partners, including Yellow Mart, Turn Key Rentals, and Riverside County Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez.

Yellow Mart has generously contributed 3,000 pounds of catfish and additional prizes to support this year’s Veterans Fishing Derby. As part of the partnership, 12 specially tagged fish will be released into the lake, giving anglers the opportunity to win gift certificates to Yellow Mart, including two valued at $250 each and ten valued at $50 each. The tagged-fish prizes will remain available beyond the derby if not caught, extending the excitement and providing additional opportunities for visitors to enjoy fishing at Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park.

“This lake is an amazing place to create amazing memories with friends and family. I hope to see the lake and all its campsites full for this great event honoring our veterans and creating lifelong memories.” said Mark Jernigan, Owner, YellowMart Indio.

RivCoParks also extends its appreciation to Riverside County Fourth District Supervisor, V. Manuel Perez, for contributing more than 1,000 pounds of fish and to Turn Key Rentals for its generous support of the event. These partnerships demonstrate the importance of community collaboration in creating meaningful recreational opportunities for veterans and their families.

Beyond the fishing derby, RivCoParks is expanding initiatives to recognize veterans throughout the year. The District is introducing designated veteran parking signage at all regional parks, open-space areas and interpretive sites, providing another visible expression of gratitude for military service while supporting greater access to outdoor spaces.

“Honoring our veterans goes beyond thanking them for their service. It means creating meaningful opportunities for them and their families to connect, enjoy our beautiful outdoor spaces, and feel the appreciation of a grateful community. I am proud to support the Veterans Fishing Derby​ by helping make this event a memorable experience for everyone,” said Riverside County Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez.

The Veterans Fishing Derby will take place Saturday, November 14, 2026 at Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park, located at 58075 Jefferson Street in La Quinta. Gates open at 6 a.m., with fishing scheduled from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. & final weigh in at 8:15 p.m. Admission to the event is free.

For more information, visit RivCoParks.org or call (800) 234-PARK (7275).