Fishing Derby Planned At Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park

LA QUINTA – The annual Veterans Fishing Derby at Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park will be held this Saturday, February 28, Supervisor V. Manuel Perez's office said.

Gates open at 5:30 a.m., at the lake, located at 58075 Jefferson Street, La Quinta. The derby runs from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., with the last measurement at 11:30 a.m. and prizes given at noon.

The county park district is making entry to the park and fishing free for all who come. There is a $5 cash derby fee for non-veterans to enter the trout fishing tournament, with all funds raised going to benefit local veterans’ organizations.

"With generous sponsorship by Yellow Mart, Lake Cahuilla will have a special stock of 4,000 pounds of trout delivered for the derby!" Perez stated in the release.

This is the fifth Veterans Fishing Derby held at Lake Cahuilla.

The derby began in 2021 as Supervisor Perez worked with veteran leaders and the Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District to utilize the outdoor setting for activities while also raising some funds for veterans’ posts and events.

“This is an event that we help organize to bring veterans and the community out to Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park,” he said. “With free admission on Saturday, this is an opportunity for all to see this beautiful place right here in our valley, which is even greater with the new renovation! We are honored to host this annual tradition that brings people together to celebrate and support our heroes.”

Desert Recreation District will bring equipment for people to play basketball and pickleball games on the park’s new courts.

The derby is hosted by the Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District, the American Legion Herman Granados Post 739 in Indio, Supervisor Perez and the Fourth District Veterans Cabinet, and the Desert Recreation District.

Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park, the first in the county park system named in honor of veterans.