05-11-2010, 07:10 PM
A cooperative program to hook kids and their families on the fun of catfishing was initiated in 2008 by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources' Wildlife Resources Section and West Virginia State Parks and the fun continues this year. The "Catfish in the Parks Program" is intended to provide family-based fishing opportunities at selected state parks.
"In mid-May we will be stocking catchable size (1-2 pound) channel catfish into state park lakes located throughout the state," according to Chris O'Bara with WVDNR Wildlife. "During the week of May 17, lakes to be stocked will include Cedar Creek, Chief Logan, Little Beaver, North Bend, Blackwater Falls, Pipestem, Tomlinson Run, and Watoga state parks. Additional lakes will be stocked in mid-June. "<br />
An evaluation of the program over the past three years indicates the anglers catch these stocked catfish throughout the summer and early fall, and most anglers release the fish for others to enjoy, according to O'Bara.<br />
State park superintendents and staff recognize that anglers are primarily accompanied by family members and a high percent of the anglers are younger than 18 years. In addition, most anglers visit the parks not only to fish but also to enjoy the many recreational opportunities, including camping, that is available at state parks. "It's great to see families at our areas enjoying a traditional outside activity," according to Ken Caplinger, Chief of West Virginia's state park system.<br />
"Going fishing as an adult is fun; it's tough to beat. But if you have an opportunity to take kids fishing and see their faces light up when they set that hook and reel one in, regardless of the fish size, it just doesn't get much better," said Supt. Steve Jones of North Bend State Park.<br />
Fishing at state parks and forests requires a West Virginia fishing license for anyone age 15 to 65 except for the free fishing days scheduled June 12 and 13. There is no admission charge to state-operated parks and forests to go fishing. More than 30 areas in the West Virginia state parks system offer fishing opportunities onsite. Catfish stocking is in addition to spring trout stocking at many state park and forests locations.<br />
When making plans this summer to visit a state park, bring you fishing gear and participate in the Catfish in the Parks Program as well as the many other activities supported by your West Virginia DNR.<br />
For information about fishing opportunities in West Virginia and license sales, visit www.wvdnr.gov. For state park and forest information, visit www.wvstateparks.com.
"In mid-May we will be stocking catchable size (1-2 pound) channel catfish into state park lakes located throughout the state," according to Chris O'Bara with WVDNR Wildlife. "During the week of May 17, lakes to be stocked will include Cedar Creek, Chief Logan, Little Beaver, North Bend, Blackwater Falls, Pipestem, Tomlinson Run, and Watoga state parks. Additional lakes will be stocked in mid-June. "<br />
An evaluation of the program over the past three years indicates the anglers catch these stocked catfish throughout the summer and early fall, and most anglers release the fish for others to enjoy, according to O'Bara.<br />
State park superintendents and staff recognize that anglers are primarily accompanied by family members and a high percent of the anglers are younger than 18 years. In addition, most anglers visit the parks not only to fish but also to enjoy the many recreational opportunities, including camping, that is available at state parks. "It's great to see families at our areas enjoying a traditional outside activity," according to Ken Caplinger, Chief of West Virginia's state park system.<br />
"Going fishing as an adult is fun; it's tough to beat. But if you have an opportunity to take kids fishing and see their faces light up when they set that hook and reel one in, regardless of the fish size, it just doesn't get much better," said Supt. Steve Jones of North Bend State Park.<br />
Fishing at state parks and forests requires a West Virginia fishing license for anyone age 15 to 65 except for the free fishing days scheduled June 12 and 13. There is no admission charge to state-operated parks and forests to go fishing. More than 30 areas in the West Virginia state parks system offer fishing opportunities onsite. Catfish stocking is in addition to spring trout stocking at many state park and forests locations.<br />
When making plans this summer to visit a state park, bring you fishing gear and participate in the Catfish in the Parks Program as well as the many other activities supported by your West Virginia DNR.<br />
For information about fishing opportunities in West Virginia and license sales, visit www.wvdnr.gov. For state park and forest information, visit www.wvstateparks.com.