Catfish Fishing Good at Lake Arlington

If you enjoy fishing for catfish, then there is good news awaiting you at Lake Arlington. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) gillnetting surveys found that channel catfish numbers in Lake Arlington are not only increasing, but the fish appear to be getting bigger as well. In addition, a local angler recently caught a new lake record that went over nine pounds. With some warm weather upon us, I think it’s time to do a little catfishing.

“Results from Lake Arlington reveal a very good channel catfish population,” said Raphael Brock, a TPWD Inland Fisheries biologist. “In fact, the catch rates observed this spring are the highest recorded for the lake. The size range of channel cats captured was also very good, with high catch rates of fish over five and ten pounds.”

The highest catch rates were of fish 11 to 13 inches long, with the longest channel cat recorded at 30 inches long. Now that sounds like some mighty fine catfish fishing, and even better eating! By the way, catfish caught from Lake Arlington must be at least 12 inches long, and there is a 25-fish-per-day bag limit.

Lake Arlington has always had one of the best channel catfish populations of any lake in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and it appears that the fishing is only getting better. Anglers should take advantage of this good fish population. A fishing license is required to fish at Lake Arlington for anyone who is 17 years of age and older. If you are using a boat, a permit from the City of Arlington is also required. A permit can be obtained from the Lake Arlington office located at the Richard Simpson boat ramp, 6300 W. Arkansas Lane.