Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) announced that one of the most sought after freshwater game fish species in the country, the Channel Catfish, has been stocked into 24 water bodies across Connecticut (see list below.) This marks the ninth consecutive year DEEP has been able to stock Channel Catfish purchased with Federal Sport Fish Restoration Funds. This year approximately 16,300 fish were stocked.
The “cats” stocked this week include large fish averaging 12-18 inches in length and weighing just under 2 pounds; and smaller fish, averaging 9-12 inches and about ½ pound in weight. Stocking the larger fish provides an immediate summer fishery for a great tasting-high quality fish, while stocking the smaller fish provides a cost-effective investment for great catfish fishing into the future.
“This DEEP program establishes channel catfish in lakes where we know there is sufficient habitat to support a population of large gamefish,” said Bill Hyatt, Chief of DEEP’s Bureau of Natural Resources. “Anglers have reported taking 5-7 lb fish from several of the lakes. DEEP believes that the combination of a popular gamefish stocked into waters that are selected based on scientific data is a winning combination. We’ve had great success in using this approach to develop exciting fisheries for northern pike and walleye and now we’re looking forward to similar results with catfish.”
Just over half of the locations being stocked are part of DEEP’s Community Fishing Waters Program (CFW). Community fishing waters are located in municipal parks that are in close proximity to hundreds of thousands of Connecticut residents. Many of these waters are located along bus stops enabling willing anglers to ride the bus to fish. The intent of the Community Fishing Water program is to create and enhance year-round fishing opportunities in highly populated areas by combining trout stocking (in the spring), catfish stocking (in late spring or early summer), or both. This program began in 2007 and has expanded include 14 lakes or ponds.
“Connecticut has a diversity of fishing opportunities, freshwater and marine, all within a short drive or bus ride from most citizens. Stocking catfish in urban areas provides excellent family recreational opportunities close to home for the many local residents,” said Bill Hyatt. “The Community Fishing Program is one of our many efforts to promote fishing throughout the state and to provide opportunities for all to enjoy the great outdoors.”
Tips on fishing for Channel Cats and how to prepare a delicious meal with your catch are easily found with a quick internet search. There is currently no minimum size for harvest or daily catch limit for catfish in Connecticut. DEEP strongly encourages anglers to enjoy fishing and catching this great gamefish, but please only take those fish you intend to eat.
All anglers can find fishing regulations in the 2015 Connecticut Angler’s Guide, found online at CT.gov. Print version of the guides are available at more than 350 locations statewide, including many town halls, bait & tackle shops and other vendors selling outdoor equipment, DEEP facilities, and commercial marinas and campgrounds, or by contacting DEEP’s Inland Fisheries Division (860-424-FISH).
Water Body/Community
Silver Lake Berlin-Meriden
Bunnells Pond (Beardsley Park Pond)* Bridgeport
Birge Pond* Bristol
Lake Kenosia Danbury
Picketts Pond* Derby
Freshwater Pond* Enfield
Batterson Park Pond Farmington
Hopeville Pond Griswold
Lake Wintergreen* Hamden
Keeney Park Pond* Hartford
Quinebaug Lake Killingly
Center Springs Park Pond* Manchester
Mirror Lake (Hubbard Park Pond)* Meriden
Black Pond Meriden-Middlefield
Rowans Pond (Butternut Park Pond)* Middletown
Stanley Quarter Pond* New Britain
Beaver Park Lagoon (North)* New Haven
Spaulding Pond (Mohegan Park Pond)* Norwich
Maltby Pond #2 Orange-West Haven
Maltby Pond #3 Orange-West Haven
Stillwater Pond Torrington
Burr Pond Torrington
Lakewood Lake* Waterbury
Scoville Reservoir Wolcott
* Community Fishing Water