SPRING CATFISH STOCKINGS BEGIN MARCH 19
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The catfish season officially kicks off at all Urban Fishing Program lakes and ponds in the Phoenix and Tucson areas on Thursday, March 19 when all lakes will receive deliveries of 15-20 inch channel catfish. Two large trucks will be used to bring 8,000 catfish to 19 waters throughout the day. Warming spring temperatures signal the stocking changeover from trout to catfish. Over 14,000 pounds of Arkansas farm raised catfish will be delivered and stocked into Urban Fishing Program lakes every two weeks from now through the end of June. Traditionally, when the Department switches fish suppliers from winter trout to spring catfish deliveries, anglers are given the specific day of stocking. For all other catfish stockings, only the stocking week (Mon.-Sat.) is announced. The usual baits such as worms, stink baits, and shrimp should work well for catching “Mr. Whiskers.” Daily limits are four catfish per person at Urban Lakes or two catfish per person at Urban Ponds (note regulations and park signage for Lake and Pond designations).