Regional Parks Kicks-Off Monthlong Catfish Derby With Cash Prizes

August kicks-off the monthlong catfish derby at Cucamonga-Guasti, Glen Helen and Mojave Narrows Regional Parks, offering up to $1,000 for the heaviest caught from derby entrants. This event is a skilled competition open to the general public and anglers of all ages.

The monthlong derby begins Aug. 1 and ends Aug. 31. Daily derby hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The final weigh-in of the day must be recorded at the gatehouse with park staff by 5 p.m. for the catch to be eligible for the derby. Participants are allowed to enter the derby daily.

Cash Prizes include:

• Overall heaviest caught: $1,000
• Heaviest caught per park: $500
• Second heaviest caught per park: $300
• Third heaviest caught per park: $100

Participants must fish with one closely attended fishing rod. Derby rules prohibit hand lines, netting, or catch and release. Snagging of fish is also prohibited and will not qualify for derby prizes. All catfish must be freshly caught, fresh in appearance, intact and not overly stiff.

Derby entry forms, rules and prizes are available online, at each participating park or by scanning the QR code. A fishing license is required for ages 16 and over. A fishing license can be purchased online at wildlife.ca.gov/Licensing/Fishing.

The derby fee is $5 per person. A fishing permit is also required and is $10 per person, Monday-Wednesday, and $12 per person, Thursday-Sunday. Park admission is $8 per vehicle, Monday-Friday, and $10 per vehicle, Saturday-Sunday.

Derby winners will be announced Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, via San Bernardino County Regional Parks social media outlets and website. For more information on Regional Parks, visit parks.sbcounty.gov or follow us on Facebook and Instagram for weekly catfish stockings and announcements.