The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has announced the return of its Neighborhood Fishin’ program, marking the arrival of spring and the beginning of catfish season. Starting April 11, TPWD will replenish 18 participating lakes with thousands of catfish. These bodies of water include locations in Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Amarillo, College Station, San Angelo, Waco, and Wichita Falls.
"Los lagos están convenientemente localizados en áreas urbanas y suburbanas para que los Texanos no tengan que viajar largas distancias para disfrutar de una maravillosa experiencia," stated Marcos DeJesus, Director of Region Three of TPWD's Inland Fisheries Division. "Es muy fácil y divertido pescar bagre, tanto para pescadores novatos de todas las edades, así como para los que tienen diferentes niveles de experiencia. Si nunca ha pescado con caña antes, estos son los lugares perfectos para empezar. Y si usted es un pescador con experiencia, estos son los lugares perfectos para introducir a la pesca con caña a un amigo o un miembro de su familia."
The lakes will be stocked with channel catfish every two weeks through the end of October, with a short break in August due to heat concerns. This schedule ensures ample fishing opportunities during spring, summer, and early fall.
These lakes are situated in county and city parks and offer amenities such as parking, restrooms, shoreline access, lighting, and other recreational activities besides fishing. Anglers can keep up to five catfish of any size daily with no minimum length limit. Fish cleaning tables are available at some locations for ease of use. While those under 17 can fish for free, adults need to acquire a fishing license. These can be obtained for as little as $11 for a "one-day, all-water" license.
The program aims to provide a quality outdoor experience while promoting fish management and conservation. Contributions from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation and donations from the Friedkin Family Foundation and Phillips 66, along with support from local governments, help sustain it.
For more information on Neighborhood Fishin’ lakes, fishing tips, and licenses, visit www.neighborhoodfishin.org.
