Urban fishing programs in Arkansas rely primarily on put-take stockings of channel catfish and rainbow trout. We evaluated hybrid striped bass as a potential addition to urban fisheries by stocking this fish at densities of 95 and 96 fish/ha in two urban fishing ponds. Angler surveys were conducted three times daily for five weeks following stocking to determine angler demographics, fishing success, and attitudes/preferences. We surveyed 320 anglers comprised primarily of local urban residents. They exerted 686 hours of fishing effort, catching 574 fish, including sunfish (38%), channel catfish (30%), and hybrid striped bass (22%). Of the anglers who caught hybrid striped bass, over 90% said that it added to their fishing experience and they were more likely to return to the lake to fish. Of all anglers surveyed, 90% said that the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission should begin stocking hybrid striped bass as part of urban fisheries management.
