5/6/2009
The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources will be stocking more than 5,500 catchable-size channel catfish during the weeks of May 4 and 11, according to Director Frank Jezioro. Fish will be 3/4 pound to two pounds in size and were reared at either the Apple Grove State Fish Hatchery or purchased from a private vendor. DNR personnel will stock 22 lakes throughout the state to enhance family fishing opportunities during the spring and summer.
“These stockings will provide good fishing, especially during the summer when folks are looking for family-oriented recreation close to home,” said Jezioro.
Over the past three years, DNR fisheries management staff has conducted a study on the success of stocking catchable channel catfish into small impoundments. Results indicate that stocked channel catfish are caught throughout the summer. Families and young anglers comprised a high percentage of successful anglers.
Lakes to be stocked are: Anawalt Lake (McDowell Co.), Barboursville Lake (Cabell Co.), Cacapon State Park Lake (Morgan Co.), Cedar Creek State Park Lake (Gilmer Co.), Chief Logan State Park Lake (Logan Co.), Conaway Run Lake (Tyler Co.), Coopers Rock Lake (Monongalia Co.), French Creek Pond (Upshur Co.), Handley Pond (Pocahontas Co.), Hurricane Lake (Putnam Co.), Krodel Lake (Mason Co.), Laurel Lake (Mingo Co.), Little Beaver State Park Lake (Raleigh Co.), North Bend State Park Pond (Ritchie Co.), Pendleton Lake at Blackwater Falls State Park (Tucker Co.), Pipestem State Park Lake (Summers Co.), Tomlinson Run Lake (Hancock Co.), and Watoga State Park Lake (Pocahontas Co.).
In addition, tagged channel catfish will be stocked into Berwind Lake (McDowell Co.), Parker Hollow Lake (Hardy Co.), and Wallback Lake (Clay Co.). Anglers who catch a tagged fish are asked to return the tag or tag number along with information on the date of capture, if the fish was kept or released, and the name and address of the angler to WVDNR, 2311 Ohio Ave, Parkersburg, WV 26101. Anglers also can call in the information to (304) 420-4550 or provide the information via e-mail (fishtags@wvdnr.gov).
Contact Information
Brett Preston
304-558-2771
wildlife@wvdnr.gov