Hesperia Lake gives up two giant catfish including “Catzilla”

August 11, 2026

THIS 50-pound-class — THIS 50-POUND-CLASS catfish is still swimming in Hesperia Lake.

BY MIKE STEVENS

HESPERIA – In the final week of July, local angler Justi n Broussard landed the 50-pound-class catfish at Hesperia Lake known at the park as “Catzilla.” After a quick photo, fish was released back into the lake where it’s ready to be caught again.

Despite various news outlets reporting that the catfish freed itself and wound up back in the lake as the angler’s buddy was trying to put it in a fish basket, Western Outdoor News was able to confirm (by the angler) that there was no intention of keeping that fish, and they know the importance of releasing the big ones. Another angler bagged a 30-pounder around the same time that broke the scale at Hesperia Lake.
Fishing has been consistent thanks to regular catfish stocking.