Yuma, Arizona - Just a little more than a year after its debut, a new feature is being added to the Pacific Avenue Athletic Complex.
Fishing.
The City invites residents to a ribbon-cutting ceremony that will mark the grand opening of the PAAC pond to urban fishing. It will be held 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 29.
Anglers of all ages are welcome to test their skills at this new fishing location. During the hours of the event only, licenses will not be required.
The City has been working with Arizona Game and Fish to stock the PAAC pond, a process that started months ago.
“Earlier this summer, Game and Fish stocked small bluegill sunfish and fathead minnows to serve as forage for potentially larger fish, and as a means of determining the viability of the pond as a long term habitat,” said Parks and Recreation Director Debbie Wendt.
After a great deal of collaboration, testing and monitoring, the pond has been deemed suitable and will be stocked with channel catfish.
“There’s at least one in there that’s already 10 pounds,” Wendt said.
Following the event, Game and Fish rules and regulations will apply to fishing at the PAAC pond as they do at any publicly accessible water in Arizona. A valid Arizona community fishing, general fishing, or combination hunt/fish license is required for resident and nonresident anglers 14 years or older. Youth under the age of 14 and blind residents do not need to purchase a state fishing license to fish in Arizona.