Anglers in the Houston area are in for a treat as the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has resumed stocking neighborhood lakes with channel catfish. This initiative allows local residents to enjoy a Texas tradition of outdoor recreation without venturing far from home. According to a report published by KHOU, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has included four lakes in the Houston area in its stocking program.
The catfish stocking is part of a broader effort by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to enhance fishing opportunities in urban areas. They have restocked 18 lakes across the state, ensuring fish enthusiasts have plenty of opportunities to cast their lines. "Catfish are fun and easy to catch for anglers of all ages and experience levels," Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Inland Fisheries Division Three Director Marcos DeJesus remarked to KHOU. "If you’ve never fished before, these are the perfect places to get started." Residents can look forward to catching these fish every two weeks until the end of October.
An added incentive for younger anglers is the cost-effectiveness of the program. As per the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, kids under 17 can fish without a license, while adults will need to obtain one. CW39 reports a one-day fishing license can be acquired for as little as $11, and if you're looking to fish year-round, an annual freshwater license is available for $30.
For Houstonians eager to reel in some catfish, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has provided a shortlist of local fishing spots that are now stocked. KHOU shared a list including Herman Little Park, Mary Jo Peckham Park, Community Park Lake, and Burke Crenshaw Park. Not only kids 16 and under fish for free, they could bring along a friend new to fishing, as CW39 reports. This makes it an ideal opportunity to introduce others to the sport.
Those interested in finding a Neighborhood Fishin’ lake near you can visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website for a map and further details. This information comes to you courtesy of a CW39 article, and with the program now in full swing, this is heralded as the best weekend to go fishing. While the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department had also shared a video of the lakes being stocked, aspiring fishers can start planning their local fishing trips right away.
