When it comes to whiskered fish, kid events and something for the adults too; it’s about that time of year again! From the Logan Area (LA) to a host of other state parks, catchable size catfish in the one to two pound class and larger should be there to greet you. What’s more, there are some prizes, rewards and other goodies that go right along with these stockings. Some specific youth events are to be held but the vast majority is for folks of all ages.
For starters, Chief Logan State Park Lake is a bona fide double dipper in the catfish stocking arena. It not only received a mega stocking from the recently held rally there, it got an extra helping of catties compliments of WVDNR. What’s more, it’s one of a handful of state park lakes that got some tagged fish to boot. The tagged catfish program provides feedback to the fisheries manager as well as a reward for the lucky angler.
“Anglers who catch a tagged fish are asked to return the tag or tag number 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 also can call in the information 304-420-4550 or provide the information via e-mail dnrfishtags@wv.gov.”
The tagged fish reward is a choice of a ride to Whittaker Station at Cass Scenic Railroad or a ride to Blennerhassett Island on the sternwheeler, the Island Belle.
In addition to the Chief Logan Lake, the LA Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) is sponsoring its Fifth Annual “Jakes” (for young gobblers) Cat-Fishing Day on June 9.
It’s for youngsters 17 and under and will be held between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. at the Boy Scout Camp Chief Logan Lake along Garrett’s Fork Road off US 119/Corridor G near Chapmanville. A picnic style lunch and prizes are provided to the youngsters. For questions or to make sponsor donations, contact Roger Wolfe at 304-855-9148 or Doyle and Linda Gore at 304-239-2025.
This catfishing time of year also coincides with West Virginia’s annual Free Fishing Days which fall on June 9 and 10 this year. Youngsters under the age of 15 are not required to have a fishing license. But also keep in mind that seniors who turn 65 on or after January 1, 2012 are now required to have the one-time senior lifetime license if not already in possession of a lifetime license.
Besides Chief Logan, seven other popular state park lakes receiving some of the 400 total of tagged catfish are: Blackwater Falls, Cacapon, Cedar Creek, Little Beaver, North Bend, Pipestem and Tomlinson Run. Popular baits for catfish are night-crawlers, chicken livers, minnows and prepared stink baits, all which are readily available. They are strong fighters on the other end of the line and are good eating.
All that’s left to do now is to go fish.
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