AGFC tags special ‘stocking’ stuffers for the holidays

Dec. 22, 2021

Randy Zellers

Assistant Chief of Communications

LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Family and Community Fishing Program has begun trout stockings for the 2021-22 winter stocking season at ponds throughout Arkansas. This is the chance to hook into a specially tagged, prize-winning rainbow trout before the water warms too much to support these cold-water fish.

Each year, the AGFC stocks rainbow trout from the Jim Hinkle Spring River Hatchery in ponds throughout Arkansas while the water temperature is low enough to support them. The program is part of the AGFC’s continued mission to recruit the next generation of anglers, no matter where they live in The Natural State.

“Thousands of people live in urban areas where they don’t have easy access to a fishing location,” Maurice Jackson, FCFP coordinator for the AGFC, said. “We stock locations near them with channel catfish during the warmer months and trout when it’s cold to offer fishing opportunities they may never get to enjoy otherwise. We hope they begin to branch out and learn more about all the great fishing opportunities we have in Arkansas.”

In addition to the enjoyment of catching and eating the stocked fish, anglers have the opportunity to catch specially tagged trout throughout winter to receive special prizes. This year, any angler who turns in a tag is eligible for a prize. Lucky anglers will be drawn for one of three guided trout fishing trips for four on the Little Red River, courtesy of Sore Lip’em All Guide Service and the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation. Anglers will also be drawn for a Bass Pro Shops gift card worth $250. The live drawing will be on the AGFC’s Facebook page at 10 a.m. March 14, 2022.

Mail the fluorescent pink tag along with your name, address, telephone number, and where and when the fish was caught to:

ARKANSAS GAME AND FISH COMMISSION
Family and Community Fishing Program
2 Natural Resources Drive
Little Rock, AR 72205

Tag returns must be postmarked by Feb. 28, 2022. Only one entry per person.

Visit www.agfc.com/familyfishing to find a Family and Community Fishing Program location near you.