PAWNEE CITY, Neb. - Nebraska Game and Parks is looking to add excitement to fishing community ponds.

“We’re trying to work a lot with our community ponds because this is where a lot of young anglers learn how to fish… Riding their bikes down to a pond like this.”

Jordan Katt is the Priavte and Community waters specialist for Game and Parks and is preparing for some new residents to those types of waters. In early July, Game and Parks will begin stocking  15 inch Channel Catfish in a number of community ponds across the state.

“Once it gets warm, people like to go catfishing. Some of our panfish species get a little more challenging for angling,” Katt said. “Catfish go into post-spawn mode and get easier to catch.”

In addition, says goal is to get fisherman excited about community fishing. If you’re thinking of giving it a try, be ready to move away from a worm under a bobber!

“A variety of cut bait or stink bait can be used… These are scavenger fish so they like stinky things,” Katt said. “They’re not as pleasant for the anglers to use, but catfish they normally like that stuff.”

Stocking will begin the week of July 7. 

Full stocking information: 

Benson Park Pond (375), Omaha; Friend City Lake (145), Friend; Geneva Pond (110), Geneva; Kramer Park Lake (535), Bellevue; Pawnee City Pond (200), Pawnee City; Stanton Lake (460), Falls City; Steinhart Park Pond east (155), Nebraska City; Towl Park Pond (190), Omaha; and North Platte I-80 Lake (640), North Platte.