The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is set to begin stocking more than 150,000 10-inch channel catfish into over 180 water bodies across the state in order to meet management objectives.
Beginning in late August and continuing into September, the stockings will take place in city ponds and rural reservoirs, giving anglers of all ages additional chances to reel in the popular sport fish.
Matthew Perrion, Game and Parks’ fish production supervisor, said this annual effort is designed to bolster fishing opportunities in numerous public waters where natural recruitment may be limited due to habitat constraints or predation.
“Nebraska’s fisheries management includes a large stocking program to maintain and enhance angling resources, particularly when natural reproduction falls short,” Perrion said. “Historically, Game and Parks’ Fisheries Division has stocked ‘advanced fingerling’ channel catfish – typically around 9 to 10 inches – as larger fish are better equipped to avoid predators and thrive in their new environments. By stocking the catfish across a wide array of waters, the division aims to bolster Nebraska’s fishing opportunities and offer family‑friendly opportunities statewide.”
The catfish being put in the water were raised from fry at the North Platte State Fish Hatchery starting in June of 2024, overwintered, and then split between the Calamus State Fish Hatchery and the North Platte State Fish hatchery facility ponds for additional space and further growth.
According to the Nebraska Game and Parks fish stocking database, the most recent catfish stockings in Custer County were at Melham Park in Broken Bow in September 2024, Ansley’s City lake in August 2024, Melham Park again in September 2023 in addition to Victoria Springs Lake and Arnold.
In Custer County, the largest amount of catfish stocked at one time was over 16,000 put into the Middle Loup River in 1941. Another 15,000 were stocked in the river in 1991. The smallest stocking according to the database was when eight 13.5″ catfish were put into Victoria Springs Lake in 2013.
Those seeking more information about fishing in Nebraska can go to OutdoorNebraska.gov/fish. To find locations where channel catfish have been stocked, search “Fish Stocking Database” and fill in the form.
