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Indio Today
By the People, for the People
Annual Veterans Fishing Derby Returns to Lake Cahuilla
Free park entry and fishing for all at the annual event supporting local veterans' organizations
Published on Feb. 26, 2026
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The annual Veterans Fishing Derby at Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park in La Quinta, California will be held this Saturday, February 28th from 7am to 11am. The county park district is making park entry and fishing free for all who attend, with a $5 cash derby fee for non-veterans to enter the trout fishing tournament. All funds raised will benefit local veterans' organizations.
Why it matters
The Veterans Fishing Derby is an annual tradition that brings the community together to celebrate and support local veterans. It provides an opportunity for people to enjoy the outdoors at the recently renovated Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park, which was the first county park in the system to be named in honor of veterans.
The details
The derby will feature a special stock of 4,000 pounds of trout delivered to the lake, courtesy of sponsor Yellow Mart. In addition to the fishing tournament, the Desert Recreation District will bring equipment for basketball and pickleball games on the park's new courts.
- The Veterans Fishing Derby will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026.
- The derby runs from 7am to 11am, with the last measurement at 11:30am and prizes given at noon.
The players
V. Manuel Perez
Riverside County Supervisor who worked with veteran leaders and the Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District to organize the annual derby.
Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District
The county park district hosting the annual Veterans Fishing Derby at Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park.
American Legion Herman Granados Post 739
The Indio-based American Legion post co-hosting the derby.
Desert Recreation District
The district providing equipment for basketball and pickleball games at the event.
What they’re saying
“With generous sponsorship by Yellow Mart, Lake Cahuilla will have a special stock of 4,000 pounds of trout delivered for the derby!”
— V. Manuel Perez, Riverside County Supervisor (Patch.com)
“This is an event that we help organize to bring veterans and the community out to Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park. 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.”
— V. Manuel Perez, Riverside County Supervisor (Patch.com)
What’s next
The derby is an annual event, so the next Veterans Fishing Derby at Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park is scheduled for February 2027.
The takeaway
The Veterans Fishing Derby is a community-driven event that provides a free, family-friendly way for residents to enjoy the outdoors, support local veterans, and celebrate the recent renovations to the Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park.
