The popular Tagged Catfish in the Parks Program is underway again in West Virginia’s state parks, providing fun and even rewards to those lucky enough to catch one. State parks have some of the many lakes that are part of the Division of Natural Resources stocking program.
“Catfishing is great fun for anyone, especially for families with children. This is a fish easily caught and that experience often is a first fish – a lasting memory of good times outdoors,” said West Virginia State Parks Chief Sam England.
State park areas included in the May stocking program are: Berwind Lake (McDowell Co.), Cacapon State Park Lake (Morgan Co.), Cedar Creek State Park Lake (Gilmer Co.), Chief Logan State Park Lake (Logan Co.), Laurel Lake (Mingo Co.), Little Beaver State Park Lake (Raleigh Co.), North Bend State Park Pond (Ritchie Co.), Pipestem State Park Lake (Summers Co.), Tomlinson Run State Park Lake (Hancock Co.), and Watoga State Park Lake (Pocahontas Co.).
Seven state park lakes feature a Tagged Catfish in the Parks Program, according to Chris O’Bara, DNR fishery biologist. These lakes are: Cacapon, Cedar Creek, Chief Logan, North Bend, Pipestem, Tomlinson Run and Watoga.
Lucky anglers who submit tag information receive a free night camping at select state parks in West Virginia. However, the parks do not collect the tags or issue the rewards. Anglers who catch a tagged fish should return the tag or the tag number along with information on the date of capture, whether 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 email at dnrfishtags@wv.gov. Additional information about the tagging programs can be found at www.wvdnr.gov/Fishing/Fish_Tagging.shtm.
