Veterans Fishing Derby Returns to Lake Cahuilla on Saturday

Organized by Supervisor V. Manuel Perez and the Fourth District Veterans Cabinet, alongside the Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District and the Desert Recreation District, the event is a trout derby that is open to everyone, free for veterans and military, and will benefit local veterans’ organizations.

Derby organizers ask that everyone planning to come to fill out a pre-registration online at http://bit.ly/veteransfishingderby. Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park is located at 58075 Jefferson Street, La Quinta, CA  92253.

“The Veterans Fishing Derby is a great event that comes together with the involvement of local veterans’ organizations to support veterans,” said Supervisor Perez. “For many valley residents, it is also an opportunity for them to make their first visit to Lake Cahuilla and see this beautiful place here in our valley. This was a major hit when we last had it and, being in one of the best times of the year to have a trout derby, we look forward to the veterans and the community enjoying a great experience of fishing once again this Saturday.”

For the day of the derby, veterans, military and those in their vehicle can get in to the park and fish for free and are not charged a derby fee. For the general public, it is $15 per person: $10 per person at the gate to enter Lake Cahuilla plus a $5 per person cash derby fee to compete for prizes in the fishing tournament.

A state fishing license is required for all people over the age 16 to fish. The license is not sold at the park, but can be purchased at local retailers and online.

On Saturday, the park and derby registration opens at 6:15 a.m. The fishing derby will take place from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., with the last fish measurement due by 11:30 a.m. Prizes will be awarded at noon to the derby winners.

This is a trout only derby. Prize-winning fish will be determined by length, with prizes to be given in adult and children divisions.

The grand prize is a stay and play hotel and golf package at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, donated by the Cabazon Band of Cahuilla Indians. Prizes also include Palm Springs Tram tickets, gas cards, cash prizes, fishing merchandise, skateboards for children donated by Supervisor Perez, and many more prizes!

In addition to registering online in advance at http://bit.ly/veteransfishingderby, attendees should plan on bringing cash for the tournament fee, sunblock and a hat or personal shade, chairs (optional), their fishing gear and their fishing license, which is not sold at the park, unopened bait, and water to stay hydrated throughout the day. Park district staff emphasize quagga mussel prevention at Lake Cahuilla and inspect all fishing items at the entrance.