Osceola event marks catfish restocking season in Arkansas

OSCEOLA, Ark. – Officials with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission said the onset of cool weather in the state means it is time to restock catfish and are celebrating with a fishing derby.

AGFC officials said the restocking would be done at all Family and Community Fishing Program (FCFP) ponds. AGFC is kicking off the restocking season with a special opening weekend fishing derby Sept. 13 at the newly established Hybar Steel Waters Fishing Pond in Osceola.

FCFP coordinator Maurice Jackson explained how Osceola received the honor.

“The Osceola location marks our 50th Family and Community Fishing location in the state,” Jackson said. “The event also happens to fall on Osceola’s 150th year of being a city, so we partnered with them and Hybar Steel to make this something special.”

Jackson said Hybar Steel donated the pond to the city and has committed to developing the 35 acres surrounding the pond into a park for residents and visitors to enjoy.

Jackson encouraged participants to bring their own tackle and a cooler to bring their farm-raised catches home.

As always, children under 16 can fish for free anywhere in the state, but anglers 16 and older must have a valid fishing license and can apply for a license at AGFC.com/Licenses.

AGFC officials said the event marks a milestone for the FCFP, which began as a simple fishing derby under the direction of former Commissioner Tommy Sproles and has grown to reach 35 cities in 24 counties across the state.

Jackson said catfish are not restocked during the hottest months to increase survival rates. Rainbow trout restocking will take place in September, he added.