CAP has stocked more catfish into the CAP canal.

In early March, channel catfish were stocked into the CAP for help in controlling caddisfly populations. Channel catfish are known to eat caddisfly larvae, which otherwise would hatch into flying adults that can be a nuisance to canal-side neighbors.

The catfish provide some control of caddisflies, which in the CAP canal, emerge primarily in May and September when the water temperature is changing.

How is the amount and size of catfish stockings determined? Annual stocking rates are based on the capacity of each canal “pool” to support fish populations and take into account previous stockings and an estimated natural mortality rate. CAP specifically targets areas that have had historical nuisance caddisfly populations. Juvenile channel catfish (less than age 1) are typically more effective at preying on insects, so stocked fish were approximately at 8- to 10-inches in length and 0.5 pounds. Here is the breakdown of the stockings. See the caddisfly map for details and locations of a specific “pools” (and form to report caddisflies).

• North Peoria (Pool 20) – 1,300 fish
• North Phoenix (Pool 21) – 900 fish
• North Scottsdale (Pool 22) – 4,800 fish

View more information about CAP’s catfish stockings.