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 SPRINGDALE
- The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Urban and Community Fisheries
Program is partnering with two northwest Arkansas cities, local
businesses, and civic organizations to bring seasonal trout fishing to
that part of the state again this year.
Two years ago, the AGFC brought the urban trout program to Springdale
and Rogers. That initial program was so successful that it will be
offered again in those two cities beginning with a beginner fishing
clinics. The clinics will be held on Thursday, Nov. 3 from 6 p.m. to 7
p.m. at the Rogers Activity Center on 315 W. Olive St. and at the Jones
Center for Families in Springdale.
There is no cost for either of the trout clinics. Free rods and reels
will be given to the first 100 children under 15 who attend the clinic.
The kick-off event in Rogers will be held Saturday, Nov. 5 from 9 a.m.
to 12 noon at Lake Atalanta. In Springdale, festivities will be held at
Murphy Park from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Both events will feature a trout
fishing derby. There will be door prizes and gifts for those attending
the events. The programs are an effort by the AGFC to provide inner city
children with the opportunities to explore nature outside of city
sidewalks and rain filled ditches.
Financial assistance from Harps Food Stores, Tyson Foods and The Kiwanis
Club of Springdale made the event possible in Springdale. The City of
Rogers made financial donations for the event in Rogers.
In Rogers and Springdale, adult rainbow trout will be stocked biweekly
through late March in the two lakes, according to the AGFC’s family and
community fisheries biologist Clifton Jackson. “This put and take
fishery will provide convenient and exciting outdoor recreational
opportunity for families and friends in Rogers and Springdale,” Jackson
said. “Most of the trout stocked in seasonal fisheries are caught and
harvested in about 10 days. This means our Jim Hinkle/Spring River State
Fish Hatchery will bring a fresh supply of adult rainbow trout about
every 10-14 days throughout the winter months,” he explained. “Please
bring your own gear and plenty of bait as these fish normally provide
plenty of winter time action,” he added.
A fishing license is required for persons 16 years of age or older to
fish and a trout permit is required for anglers 16 and over to harvest
trout. Statewide creel limits will apply for this seasonal trout
fishery.
For more information on the trout program, call the AGFC fisheries
division at 501-223-6371. |
