Connecticut officials stocked lakes and ponds across the state with 21,000 channel catfish this week to promote fishing and offer more outdoor activities for residents, The Associated Press reports.
Department of Energy and Environmental Protection officials say catfish were placed in 20 lakes and ponds Tuesday. The agency has been stocking catfish for seven years.
Seven lakes and ponds in urban areas were among the waters that were stocked. DEEP Deputy Commissioner Susan Whalen says the agency wants to provide family recreational opportunities close to home for residents.
Most of the catfish placed in state waters were juveniles nine to 12 inches long that are expected to survive for many years and grow much larger. Adult catfish 14 to 18 inches long and weighing more than two pounds were placed in urban waters.
