A ton of catfish fun is coming to urban lakes

 Mr. Whiskers is a sign of spring

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 in the 20 Urban Program Lakes.

For more information on the Urban Fishing Program, visit www.azgfd.gov/urbanfishing.