Catfish Stocking in the Concho River Returns This Week

AUSTIN, TX –  With the grass growing and wildflowers blooming, it’s time to kick off one of Texas’ best spring traditions – fishing for catfish! Thanks to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Neighborhood Fishin’ program, families won’t have to travel outside of the city to catch them.

According to the TPWD, Starting April 17, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will begin stocking thousands of catfish at 19 Neighborhood Fishin’ lakes located in 10 urban areas across the state. Lakes being stocked include five in Dallas-Fort Worth, four in the Houston area, two in the Austin area and San Antonio, and one in Abilene, Amarillo, Bryan-College Station, San Angelo, Waco and Wichita Falls. 

In San Angelo catfish are stocked in the Concho River at the Irving St. bridge.  

“Our Neighborhood Fishin’ lakes are conveniently located in these urban and suburban areas so that Texans don’t have to travel outside the city to have a great fishing experience,” said Dave Terre, TPWD Inland Fisheries Management and Research Chief. “Catfish are fun and easy to catch for anglers of all ages and experience levels. If you’ve never fished before these are the perfect places to get started, and if you are already an experienced angler this is a great opportunity to introduce fishing to a friend or family member.”

Each of the lakes will receive continuous stockings of channel catfish every two weeks through early November – with a brief pause during the heat of August – to ensure there is plenty of opportunity for families looking to spend quality time fishing together outdoors.

Neighborhood Fishin’ lakes are located in parks with ample parking, restrooms, lighting and plentiful recreational amenities to ensure an enjoyable experience for the whole family.

All anglers can keep up to five fish per day without a minimum length limit, and at some locations cleaning tables are available nearby to make it easy for families to clean their catch. Children under 17 fish for free, but a fishing license is required for all adults who fish. Fishing licenses can be purchased for as little as $11 for “one-day, all-water” access. All proceeds go toward management and conservation of the fish and their habitats.

To find the Neighborhood Fishin’ lake near you or to sign up for email updates, visit www.neighborhoodfishing.org. Stocking location information and dates can be found here.
Neighborhood Fishin’ is supported by donations from the Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest and local partners throughout the state.