Urban Catfish for Catching and Eating
by Ron Presley
Source: Texas Parks and Wildlife
Texas is serious about catfish. Each year the Department stocks eating-sized channels to be caught for the table.
Beginning in April 2022, channel catfish big enough to catch and keep were transported to Neighborhood Fishin’ lakes and ponds in Texas. These lakes are safe, fun places to introduce fishing to children (or grandchildren). Fresh stockings happen every few weeks, so there will always be a good chance of catching a fish.
The stocking continues every week through November (except in August). They also stock rainbow trout during the winter but you can start catching catfish now!
Where to Fish
To find out where to fish check the links that follow:
Find the Neighborhood Fishin’ location near you.
Preparing Catfish
To get the catfish ready for the table, check out these two videos.
What You Need – Fishing Licenses, Regulations, and Resources
- Where to buy fishing licenses (youth, ages 17 and under don’t require a fishing license)
- Neighborhood Fishin’ regulations
- How to Fish guide– a great guide for beginners and young anglers
- Fishing for Beginners – resources, apps, videos
Why Catfish?
Catfish are easy and fun to catch! This makes them perfect for fishing with kids. They especially love strong-smelling baits, including chicken livers, cut hot dogs, and nightcrawlers. Texas reports that channel catfish are the state’s second-most popular species to catch! Go catch some channels for some fun on the bank and some good eats at the table.
Click here to check out the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Neighborhood Fishing Program.
