Arizona community waters resume channel catfish stocking in October

Channel catfish stocking is back at most of Arizona’s 50-plus Community Fishing Waters, starting the week of Sept. 21. Arizona Game and Fish said so in its October 2026 fishing report. Dates on the schedule are the Monday of the stocking week, and they stay tentative.

The bulletin’s fall tip is to fish early morning and evening on a slip-sinker rig, with shrimp, pork loin, or similar baits. On Oct. 23, a teen fishing clinic runs from 5 to 7 p.m. at Gilbert Riparian Preserve. Anglers 10 and older need a license. The Town of Gilbert is sponsoring the first 20 youth licenses.

Check the AZGFD stocking schedule before you drive. The October note also sits near National Hunting and Fishing Day.

This is a The Gillnet news desk summary, not a reprint.

Source: AZGFD Fishing Report — October 2026. Stocking schedule: Arizona Game and Fish — Fish stocking schedule.