Both Chief Logan State Park and Laurel lakes have received adult-sized channel catfish stockings. What's more, one of the popular local lakes features an added twist.

Some of the Chief Logan Lake stocks have been tagged!

The DNR fisheries folks are just trying to get some fishing feedback for future management purposes. "Anglers who catch a tagged fish are asked to return the tag along with information on the date of capture, if the fish was kept or released, and the name and address of the angler to WVDNR, 2311 Ohio Ave, Parkersburg, WV 26101. Anglers can also call in the information (304-420-4550) or provide the information via e-mail ( fishtags@wvdnr.gov)."

Both these lakes may still be holding a carryover trout or two from earlier spring stockings.

Anglers may want to creel them since it's not likely they would survive the upcoming dog day heat. In fact, it seems the dog days have already arrived once again per these warmer times.

Night crawlers, chicken livers, minnows and prepared baits are commonly used for catfish. The folks at the recently held youth catfishing day reported that night crawlers won out for that day's huge success.

Both lakes also hold decent numbers of bass and bluegills.

For Chief Logan Lake please note that a minimum 12-inch size limit for bass is in effect. For bluegills, give mealworms a try with smaller hooks, lines and bobbers. A tiny lead shot can be added to fish deeper. Smaller crickets and grasshoppers can be deadly.

Although these live "hopper" baits are not readily available unless you catch them yourself, many of the local convenience stores carry both mealworms and night crawlers. Small flies or trout sized jigs can be sprayed with fish formula as another excellent option for bluegill.

There is no limit on bluegill at these lakes. So keep what you can use and benefit the fishery per the panfish penchant to overpopulate and "stunt" the lake with too many but smaller sized specimens of their own lot.

Don't forget to bring the youngsters and keep in mind the latest new program offered by DNR just for the kids. It's their online "First Fish Certificate" to commemorate just such noteworthy events.

Per DNR Director Frank Jezioro, "The First Fish Certificate is designed to recognize that special first catch by young anglers." The First Fish Certificate is available on the DNR Web site and can be completed by relatives or friends of the successful young angler. The online certificate is a colorful, tangible way to record a youngster's first fish.

"The certificate is easily completed with the angler's name, species of fish, and date and place of catch," Jezioro said.

The certificate can then be printed at home at no cost.

The First Fish Certificate can be found online at www.wvdnr.gov/Fishing/First_Fish.shtm

Good fishing.