LITTLE ROCK – Precautions to limit the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 have forced the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) to cancel the annual fishing derbies held at its five fish hatcheries in June, including the Jim Hinkle Spring River State Hatchery in Mammoth Spring, but anglers throughout the state will still be able to enjoy some quality time chasing catfish. AGFC hatcheries are delivering thousands of pounds of catchable-sized catfish to small, publicly accessible ponds throughout Arkansas to prepare for Free Fishing Weekend beginning Friday and continuing through next Sunday.
Each of the AGFC’s four warm-water hatcheries has a surplus of catchable-sized catfish that were raised with these derbies in mind. Those catfish now will be delivered to small ponds throughout the state for anglers everywhere to enjoy. Staff worked hard to distribute the 24,000 pounds of catchable catfish evenly throughout the state.
These stockings are in addition to the normal stockings the AGFC conducts through its Family and Community Fishing Program.
Anglers are advised to continue practicing social distancing while enjoying all fishing locations. Maintain a 6-foot distance (one fishing rod’s length) from your nearest neighbor who is not in your immediate family and wash your hands thoroughly after touching any surfaces that someone else may have touched.
Extra stockings will be received in Mountain Home at McCabe Park and Amon’s Lake before Friday. Other area locations to receive extra stockings by the end of the week include Salem City Park, Melbourne City Park, Stinger Lake in Mountain View, Lake Harrison and Bradley Park in Jasper.
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