05-03-2025
AGFC winter stockings to add nearly 60,000 trout to Arkansas ponds
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is putting a bow on its 2024-25 winter community pond stockings.
AGFC officials said the Jim Hinkle Spring River State Fish Hatchery sent about 57,000 trout to ponds in Cabot, Pine Bluff, Little Rock, Conway, Maumelle, Bentonville and Springdale.
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According to the AGFC, the Jim Hinkle Spring River State Fish Hatchery is responsible for stocking all Family Community Fishing Program ponds across the state.
Hatchery manager B.J. Vandiver explained that the hatchery crew also worked to put together an extra prize for anglers this year.
'Maurice (Jackson) and Clint (Coleman) secured some golden rainbow trout from a private facility to give anglers a little something extra this year,' Vandiver said. 'We successfully tagged and stocked 385 tagged golden rainbow trout spread out among the majority of the stocking sites in December. We ended up having about 100 surplus golden rainbows that were stocked (untagged) at select locations in January as well.'
Jackson added that the first round of golden trout were all tagged, and anglers who turn in a tagged fish get a prize pack as well as a chance at a special prize.
'We'll be drawing a winner from all anglers who turned in their tags on the AGFC's Facebook page live at 10 a.m. March 13,' Jackson said. 'Three winners will receive a free guided trout fishing trip for two on the Little Red River, courtesy of Sore Lip 'em All Guide Service in Heber Springs.'
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To read more about the Family and Community Fishing Program, . The live drawing will be on March 13.
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