Earlier this afternoon, local angler Craig Posney of Hot Springs caught a 15-pound blue catfish at Entergy Park’s fishing pond, using six-pound test and chicken liver as bait. The big cat appears to be one of more than 12,000 pounds of catfish donated by Baxter Land Company Fish Farm of Arkansas City and stocked by Arkansas Game & Fish in public fishing areas throughout Arkansas as a way to stir excitement about family fishing.
The ponds at Entergy Park, 530 Lakepark Drive, and Family Park, 215 Family Park Road, are the only two areas in Hot Springs that are stocked by Arkansas Game & Fish through its Family and Community Fishing Program. Posney mentioned that one week prior, he had caught a 15-pound and a 28-pound catfish at Family Park, while his brother caught a 20-pounder. Posney added he thought he might try his luck at Entergy Park. Hot Springs Public Works Director Denny McPhate, who was driving by, saw Posney attempting to bring in the catfish and snapped the picture. The fish had a bright yellow tag with a phone number to call Arkansas Game & Fish, which has partnered with nearby businesses to offer prizes ranging from tackle boxes and rod-and-reel combos to kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.
“We strive to make fishing an enjoyable and accessible activity for all park visitors,” said Parks & Trails Director Jean Wallace. “The Baxter Land Company’s generous donation, in addition to our longtime support from Arkansas Game & Fish, makes fishing even more memorable and fun.” For information, call Arkansas Game & Fish’s stocking hotline at 1-866-540-FISH (3474) or visit www.agfc.com .