Our recent social media update about the scale-breaking catch at Hesperia Lake Park has officially gone viral, catching the attention of major news outlets across Southern California.

KTLA 5 News broadcasted the story to television and digital audiences statewide after tracking our initial community updates. Javier Antonio Fuentes reeled the massive 30-pound channel catfish on Sunday, July 26, 2026.

The trophy fish was so heavy that it famously broke the park’s scale during the official weigh-in. While our followers were the first to know about the incredible 30-pound catch, KTLA’s report confirmed what local anglers have been whispering about all week: “Catzilla” is still out there.

The legendary 50-pound monster catfish remains swimming beneath the surface, waiting for the next lucky fisherman. Thanks to the massive wave of media attention, crowds are already growing ahead of the next scheduled 1,000-pound fish stocking this Friday, July 31.

Take a look at the video and news article below!

KTLA 5 News Report