Take a spring break to catch some newly stocked catfish

March 14, 2018

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

LITTLE ROCK – As many of the state’s elementary and secondary schools go on a week of spring break starting next Monday, the time off coincides with several central Arkansas fisheries being stocked with catfish.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Family and Community Fishing Program is in full swing this week delivering catfish for families to enjoy during spring break. According to Maurice Jackson, the FCFP coordinator, parents looking for a way to spend some precious time and make memories with their kids should consider fishing at one of the stocked locations this spring. Most locations are within easy reach of large cities and towns and many are in parks where you can enjoy a picnic lunch or other activities once you’ve caught your limit.

“The best part is that you can take your fish home and continue enjoying your experience with a delicious meal of catfish that’s as good as any farm-raised fish you’ll find in the grocery store,” Jackson said.

Jackson says the stockings were to begin in central Arkansas locations this week, and other ponds would be stocked as soon as the hatcheries around the state have time to transport the fish.

The AGFC’s hatcheries are also now involved in spawning projects for walleye, stripers and other programs and have short windows for delivering catfish, too, Jackson noted. But the Family and Community page at agfc.com will be updated as soon as fish are stocked at each location. 

Also, many fishing events are planned for this year, so be sure to check www.agfc.com/familyfishing regularly to see when a pond near you is stocked and when a special event is headed your way.