Arizona’s Cats Are Back at Urban Lakes This Week

Fish stockings, featuring channel catfish, are resuming this week (Sept. 16-21) at 18 Urban Fishing Program waters in the greater Phoenix and Tucson areas.

The fall catfish stockings represent the “second half” of the spring/fall catfish delivery season that included a two-month summer “halftime” break from stockings. Nearly 7 tons of catfish will be transported by our fish contractor from Arkansas in specially designed hauling trucks. The farm-raised catfish have had a good summer growing season and most fish should be close to two pounds.

Game and Fish biologists will accompany each lake delivery to ensure that all stocking operations run smoothly and successfully, and that all fish pass our high inspection standards for excellent condition and health. All lakes were recently checked for compliance with our water quality stocking guidelines and all lakes passed inspection.

The fall catfish stocking season includes a total of four stockings at two-week intervals through early November. Stockings will occur on random days during the designated stocking week (Mondays through Saturday). This alternating week schedule will only change if conditions at an individual lake are unsuitable for stocking (for example high pH levels, or low oxygen).

Best baits for catfish are worms, stink/dough bait, shrimp or hot dogs. Catfish daily bag limits are 4 fish at the Urban Lakes or 2 fish at the Urban Ponds.

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

Arizona Game and Fish Department

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is a state agency of Arizona, headquartered in Phoenix. The agency is tasked with conserving, enhancing, and restoring Arizona's diverse wildlife resources and habitats through aggressive protection and management programs. It also provides wildlife resources and safe watercraft and off-highway vehicle recreation for the enjoyment of, appreciation by, and use by present and future generations.