Riverside County said the Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District (RivCoParks) is stocking approximately 5,000 pounds of catfish at Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park in La Quinta for the annual Veterans Fishing Derby on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026.

Yellow Mart contributed 3,000 pounds of catfish and additional prizes; the company will place 12 specially tagged fish in the lake that can win gift certificates, two valued at $250 and ten valued at $50. The tagged‑fish prizes will remain available after the derby if not caught.

Riverside County said Fourth District Supervisor donated more than 1,000 pounds of fish and Turn Key Rentals provided additional support for the event.

“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.

“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.

RivCoParks said it is also expanding year‑round recognition for veterans by introducing designated veteran parking signage at all regional parks, open‑space areas and interpretive sites.

The Veterans Fishing Derby will be held at Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park, 58075 Jefferson Street, La Quinta; gates open at 6:00 a.m., fishing runs from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and the final weigh‑in is at 8:15 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, the county directs readers to RivCoParks.org or (800) 234‑PARK (7275).

Local

V. Manuel Perez

Supervisor, Fourth District, Riverside County Board of Supervisors

Named 2 times in this story.

Everything the Journal has reported on V.Official site

Portrait: Jayel Aheram / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

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County of Riverside

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