RUSSELLVILLE — The CADDIS Fly Fishing Club, the Russellville Recreation and Parks Department, and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission are partnering to bring seasonal trout fishing to Russellville.
The commission will stock Pleasant View Park pond with 300 rainbow trout, and Trout Day 2011 will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 3.
The commission’s Urban and Community Fisheries Program has brought urban trout fishing programs to several other communities around the state and has been tremendously successful. Hundreds of adult trout will be stocked.
“We hope that novice and seasoned fisher-persons will take advantage of this convenient opportunity to catch trout in Russellville,” said Dave Snellings, project leader for the CADDIS Fly Fishing Club.
Both bait fishing and fly fishing will be available, and bait will be provided.
Clifton Jackson, family and community fisheries biologist for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, announced that a basic trout fishing clinic has will be held f rom 6-7 p.m. Nov. 29 at the Hughes Center in conjunction with Trout Day 2011.
The clinic is free, and a free rod and reel will be given to the first 50 kids 15 years old or younger who attend the clinic.
The Urban and Community Fisheries programs are an effort by the commission to provide families and children the opportunity to catch trout and enjoy a fun and exciting day of fishing.
“This put-and-take fishery will provide a convenient and exciting outdoor recreational opportunity for families and friends in Russellville,” Jackson said.
“Please bring your own fishing gear, and plenty of bait will be furnished. These fish normally provide plenty of wintertime action.”
A fishing license and trout permit (stamp) are required for people 16 and older, and all trout regulations will be enforced.
The limit of five rainbow trout will apply for this seasonal trout-fishing event.
“Fly fishing will be available for t hos e folks w ho would like to tr y it, and club members will be there on Trout Day to help folks learn.” said Jerry McKaughan, president of the CADDIS Fly Fishing Club. “Bring your fly rod if you have one.”
“We hope the community really enjoys Trout Day,” Snellings said, “and we are very fortunate to be able to cosponsor it with Russellville Recreation and Parks Department and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.”
For more information, call the Hughes Center at (501) 968-1272.
For more information on trout fishing in Arkansas, visit www.agfc.com.
River Valley Ozark, Pages 60 on 11/10/2011