Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has stocked 100 “retired” channel catfish broodstock from the A.E. Wood Hatchery in San Marcos into Lake Kyle, a 12-acre water body in Hays County.
Past prime time for propagation, the catfish average 9 pounds. They will serve Texas anglers in a preserve-type park, protected under a new catch-and-release regulation effective September 1. The new regulation also applies to largemouth bass and all sunfish species.
“These types of fisheries will provide excellent opportunities in small impoundments close to home,” said Marcos De Jesús, district supervisor for TPWD’s Inland Fisheries Division. “Besides stocking and restrictive harvest regulations, the fishery will benefit from infrastructure improvements, such as an aeration system, fish feeding stations, a fishing pier, and enhanced fish habitat-attracting structures.”
The park also hosts a tackle loaner program, making it especially convenient for those wanting to experience fishing for the first time.
“An ambitious management plan will help develop a sustainable quality fishery in this small water body; but it could never be accomplished without strong partnerships and angler stewardship,” De Jesus said. ”The City of Kyle Parks and Recreation Department and local partners like the Austin Fly Fishers are working closely with TPWD to help complete Lake Kyle’s management plan.”
Anyone interested in partnering on this project or similar projects across the state, should contact their local Inland Fisheries biologist, De Jesus said.
Lake Kyle will be one of several impoundments in major urban areas managed intensively to provide sustainable fishing opportunities close to home. To learn more about fishing opportunities in your area, go to, http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/fish/recreational/wheretofish/
