Throw Your Line In For IE's Catfish Derby 2023: How To Enter

INLAND EMPIRE, CA — If you love to fish, this is your chance to participate in something special in the Inland Empire. Three San Bernardino Regional Parks are open for casting your line for a chance to catch the biggest, heaviest catfish in San Bernardino County.

Park gates open at 7:30 a.m., and the derby hours last until 2 p.m. daily through Aug. 31.

The regional parks offer month-long fishing derbies twice a year, according to a recent news release. Those who wish to fish must get a vehicle day pass for $8 to $10, a California state fishing license for those 16 and up, a day fishing permit for $10 to $12 per person, and derby entry permits can take part in the derby. Residents can enter this fishing contest for $5, to be purchased at the time of entry. A valid photo ID must be presented at the time of Derby Entry Permit purchase, and those fishing must have all proper licenses on their person throughout the contest.

Participating parks are:

• Cucamonga-Guasti: 800 N Archibald Ave, Ontario, CA 91764
• Glen Helen: 2555 Glen Helen Parkway, San Bernardino, CA 92407
• Mojave Narrows: 18000 Yates Road, Victorville, CA 92392 (Mojave Narrows is closed on Tuesdays & Wednesdays every week.)

Each park will be stocked throughout the month starting Thursday when over 1,100 pounds of catfish will be double stocked at each park. After that, the parks will be stocked weekly with 591 pounds of catfish at each location.

A few items of note for participants:

• Catfish caught will not qualify for derby prizes if the participant’s Derby Entry Permit and photo ID do not match. Shoreline fishing only. No boats or float tubes will be allowed.
• Anglers must fish with ONE (1) closely attended fishing rod—no hand lines. No netting. Catch and release are not allowed. Snagging of fish is prohibited and will not qualify for prizes.
• Catfish must be brought to the park gatehouse before 2 p.m. to be weighed and logged on the same day your Derby Entry Permit is valid. All catfish must be freshly caught, fresh in appearance, intact, and not overly stiff.
• Derby winners will be announced Friday, Sept. 8, 2023, via San Bernardino County Regional Park's social media outlets.
• Winners will also be contacted. Prizes must be picked up from Regional Parks Administration Office, 268 W. Hospitality Lane, San Bernardino, CA 92408, within thirty (30) days of contact.
• The winner must present DERBY Entry Permit, a valid CA State Fishing License, and a photo ID to claim the prize. Prizes not picked up within thirty (30) days will be forfeited.

Prizes include a $1,000 award for the heaviest catfish caught. First, second and third-place prizes will be awarded at each location for $500, $300, and $100. Catfish will be registered by weight and the earliest date and time caught.