Large catfish donation stocks up AGFC ponds for Arkansas anglers

Thousands of catfish will be placed in Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Family and Community Fishing Program locations across the state.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Anglers in the Natural State will have the chance to catch extra catfish at Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Family and Community Fishing Program locations this week, after a generous donation by Baxter Land Company Fish Farm in Desha County.

Thousands of catfish, weighing over 20,000 pounds in total, will be placed in program ponds across the state. 

“The biggest one I’ve seen so far is about 45 pounds, and I wish I could be there when some kid hooks into that fish and has the time of their life,” said Dick Baxter, who was named the Arkansas Catfish Farmer of the year in 2023. “I really just think it’s important to get new people involved in conservation, and you have to get people excited about hunting and fishing to do that.”

According to Jason Miller, AGFC Assistant Chief of Fisheries, this is the fifth time Baxter has donated fish.

“These fish could still bring Baxter some good profit, but he’s always had a great relationship with us, and these donations give us something that we don’t provide through our hatcheries. He’s donated well over 100,000 pounds of fish over the years for people to catch,” he said.

Miller explained that it’s a treat to get catfish this large, since AGFC hatcheries provide FCFP locations with fish ranging from three-quarters of a pound to two pounds.

“It would require too much pond space on our hatcheries and food to regularly grow fish to this size for stocking, so this is a treat that we don’t get to offer very often,” he added.

If you’re hoping to land a big catch, be sure to have at least 20-pound-test fishing line and a 3/0 circle hook.

“People really get a kick out of fighting these bigger fish, but I’d suggest bringing a dip net along on your next fishing trip or two to the ponds. More than one angler has hooked into one just to have it break his line right at the bank when he finally got it within reach,” said Clint Coleman, Assistant FCFP Coordinator.

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