April 24, 2019
Randy Zellers Assistant Chief of Communications
LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is welcoming its newest addition to the Family and Community Fishing Program with a grand opening event at Western Hills lake in southwest Little Rock from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., April 27.
The lake is in Western Hills Park at 5207 Western Hills Avenue and has seen a few trial stockings in the past to judge angler interest.
“The Westwood Western Hills Neighborhood Association really has stepped up to be a great partner and continues to work with us to make this opportunity possible,” said Maurice Jackson, FCFP coordinator for the AGFC. “With the permanent inclusion into the program, we plan to regularly stock 12- to 14-inch catfish during the warmer months and 12- to 14-inch rainbow trout during winter to help recruit and retain anglers.”
Jackson says the location also will be included in future tagged fish promotions where anglers who catch a specially marked fish can turn in the tag for a prize or be entered into a drawing.
“The promotions are a great added incentive to get people out fishing, but they also help us judge how much people are using these fisheries so we can adjust stocking rates if need be,” Jackson said.
The event is free, and no registration is required. The Westwood Western Hills Neighborhood Association also will provide free lunch to the first 100 anglers to arrive. Participants are encouraged to bring their fishing gear, a cooler or chair to sit on and a stringer to bring home your catch. Anglers 16 and older must also have a valid fishing license, available for $10.50 at www.agfc.com.