Osceola, Arkansas – As cooler temperatures sweep across Arkansas, outdoor enthusiasts have more than just deer and dove season to look forward to. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) is once again resuming statewide catfish stockings at Family and Community Fishing Program (FCFP) ponds, offering residents an opportunity to cast their lines, enjoy the crisp fall weather, and celebrate a milestone for Osceola.
The festivities kick off with a special opening weekend fishing derby on Saturday, September 13, at the newly established Hybar Steel Waters Fishing Pond in Osceola. “The Osceola location marks our 50th Family and Community Fishing location in the state,” FCFP Coordinator Maurice Jackson said. “The event also happens to fall on Osceola’s 150th year of being a city, so we partnered with them and Hybar Steel to make this something special.”
The pond, generously donated to the city by Hybar Steel, sits on 35 acres that will eventually be developed into a community park for residents and visitors alike. Jackson noted that the partnership reflects a growing trend of connecting outdoor recreation with community engagement, creating spaces that offer more than just fishing.
The weekend derby will feature a wide range of activities for all ages. In addition to fishing, participants can enjoy a kids’ zone, BB gun shooting, and archery. The Minority Health Commission will be on hand to provide free health and wellness screenings, and lunch will be available while supplies last. “Attendees to this and any fishing derbies supported by the AGFC are encouraged to bring their own fishing tackle and bait,” Jackson said. “These are essentially farm-raised catfish from the hatchery, so bring a cooler to be able to bring them home and enjoy a meal after the fishing day is over, too.”
As in previous years, children under 16 can fish for free anywhere in the state, while anglers 16 and older are required to have a valid fishing license, which can be obtained online at www.agfc.com/licenses. The event is supported by a wide range of sponsors, including the City of Osceola, Hybar Steel, the Minority Health Commission, the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation, Hiram of Tyre in Jonesboro, and the AGFC itself. Interested participants are encouraged to register in advance through the AGFC’s online calendar.
The Osceola event marks a significant milestone in the AGFC’s Family and Community Fishing Program, which began as a modest fishing derby under former Commissioner Tommy Sproles. Over the years, the program has grown to reach 35 cities across 24 counties, making fishing more accessible to families and communities throughout The Natural State.
Jackson explained the schedule for fish stockings, emphasizing the importance of timing for both fish survival and angler satisfaction. “We stock catfish each spring, then we have to hold off on stockings during the hottest part of the summer to increase the survival of the fish and angler satisfaction at the ponds,” he said. “We resume catfish stockings each September, and we’ll get started stocking catchable-sized rainbow trout in winter once the water cools enough to support these cold-water fish. Every location also has plenty of bass and bream to catch, as well as the occasional crappie.”
For families and anglers looking for a full day on the water, the program provides an opportunity to enjoy not only fishing but also outdoor learning, community activities, and healthy living. The FCFP ponds are designed to be welcoming and inclusive, offering both seasoned anglers and beginners a chance to engage with nature and connect with their community.
For more information on the Family and Community Fishing Program, including locations, stocking schedules, and event registration, visit www.agfc.com/familyfishing. With the return of cooler weather and the resumption of catfish stockings, fall in Arkansas promises to be a season filled with outdoor fun, family bonding, and plenty of opportunities to reel in a big catch.
