Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has begun stocking channel catfish into Neighborhood Fishin’ Program lakes in urban areas across Texas. Stockings will take place every two weeks through the summer and fall except during August, when high water temperatures may limit fish survival.

New to the Neighborhood Fishin’ program this year is Woldert Park Pond in Tyler. The park is located at 501 West 32nd street; the pond is downhill from the Glass Recreation Center.

Neighborhood Fishin’ is a program of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD).

Over the years TPWD has stocked Woldert with largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish. Channel catfish are stocked from April through October During the cooler, winter months, the pond receives stockings of rainbow trout.

“Neighborhood Fishin’ aims to give Texas families a good place to fish close to where they live,” said Dave Terre, TPWD’s director of research and management for Inland Fisheries. “We estimate that more than 80,000 people a year participate in the program, and about half of those are children or adults who are new to fishing. Connecting kids to the outdoors through fishing makes them happier and healthier, and they do better in school. Outdoor lifestyles also strengthen families.”

Stocking is a key component of Neighborhood Fishin’, since it provides a constant supply of catchable, eating-size fish. “Our goal is to encourage families to bring their kids for a fun, outdoor fish-catching experience where they can harvest a few fish and take them home to eat,” said Terre.

For more information on the Neighborhood Fishin’ program, including locations and directions, tackle loaner programs where available, instructional fishing videos, fishing regulations and program partners, visit www.neighborhoodfishin.org or contact Richard Ott at 903-566-2161.