03-30-2010, 01:10 AM
PHOENIX - Tons of fun are heading to urban lakes soon - channel catfish will be stocked for the first time this season in the 20 Urban Fishing Program lakes in the Phoenix and Tucson areas on Thursday, March 25.
From March 25 through early July, the Arizona Game and Fish Department expects to stock a total of nearly 14,000 pounds of catfish into these waters every two weeks.
"The first seasonal stocking of Mr. Whiskers into the urban lakes has almost become a harbinger of spring - the Vernal equinox is March 20, so we are pretty close once again," said Eric Swanson, the Urban Fisheries Program manager.
Plus, feisty bluegill are being stocked this week (March 15-20), and most of the lakes will still have trout to catch as well - rainbows were stocked throughout the winter.
"It's time to grab the fishing poles and get your family outdoors," Swanson said. "Don't forget, adults need an urban fishing license, but kids fish free."
Young anglers under the age of 14 do not need a fishing license. Those 14 and older must have a valid urban fishing license, which costs $18.50 for both residents and nonresidents alike.
Channel catfish for the urban lakes are expected to average 15 to 20 inches.
For more information on the Urban Fishing Program, visit www.azgfd.gov/urbanfishing.
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Media note: If you would like to join us for the first urban catfish stockings of the year, call Eric Swanson at (623) 236-7263.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD's programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Director's Office, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Director;s Office as listed above.
Media Contact
Tom Cadden (623) 236-7392 or Eric Swanson (623) 236-7263
From March 25 through early July, the Arizona Game and Fish Department expects to stock a total of nearly 14,000 pounds of catfish into these waters every two weeks.
"The first seasonal stocking of Mr. Whiskers into the urban lakes has almost become a harbinger of spring - the Vernal equinox is March 20, so we are pretty close once again," said Eric Swanson, the Urban Fisheries Program manager.
Plus, feisty bluegill are being stocked this week (March 15-20), and most of the lakes will still have trout to catch as well - rainbows were stocked throughout the winter.
"It's time to grab the fishing poles and get your family outdoors," Swanson said. "Don't forget, adults need an urban fishing license, but kids fish free."
Young anglers under the age of 14 do not need a fishing license. Those 14 and older must have a valid urban fishing license, which costs $18.50 for both residents and nonresidents alike.
Channel catfish for the urban lakes are expected to average 15 to 20 inches.
For more information on the Urban Fishing Program, visit www.azgfd.gov/urbanfishing.
-30-
Media note: If you would like to join us for the first urban catfish stockings of the year, call Eric Swanson at (623) 236-7263.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD's programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Director's Office, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Director;s Office as listed above.
Media Contact
Tom Cadden (623) 236-7392 or Eric Swanson (623) 236-7263