USSFN:  3/26/05 - (Phoenix, AZ) - This is the perfect time to go fishing with family and friends in the Phoenix and Tucson areas. The Arizona Game and Fish Department began conducting its first spring stocking of channel catfish in 17 Phoenix and Tucson urban lakes on Thursday, March 24.

The department brings a truck loaded with fish from lake to lake during the day. The lakes are then stocked with 2-pound catfish-more than 13,000 pounds total.

"It's quite a sight to see hundreds of fish splashing into the lake from the huge tube coming out of the holding truck," says Eric Swanson, the head of the Arizona Game and Fish Department's Urban Fishing Program.

"When we switch to stocking catfish instead of trout each spring, this is one of only two times each year when we announce the exact day of fish stockings to the general public," says Swanson. "The other time will be when we switch back to trout in late fall." Only the week of stockings is publicized when fish are added to urban lakes during the rest of the year.

If you buy a $16 urban fishing license, you can enjoy using your rod and reel at the various designated urban lakes and ponds throughout the year. You can buy a license at any Arizona Game and Fish Department office, many sporting goods stores, Wal-Marts, and online at azgfd.gov. You can also buy a license by calling toll-free (866) 462-0433.

"The weather is very pleasant this time of year," says Swanson. "We're offering people the chance to reel in the fun before it gets hot."

The Arizona Game and Fish Department offers its Urban Fishing Program as an alternative for people who love to fish, but just don't have enough time to take a trip out of the city for this activity. To find the location of the closest Urban Fishing Program lake to you, go to azgfd.gov/fish.