Catfish wrangling at Turtle Creek Reservoir

Fishing enthusiasts can try their hand at roping and hogtying a catfish this summer during the first Catfish Rodeo at the Turtle Creek Reservoir in Sullivan County.

The summer fishing tournament is open to all ages at the reservoir, which is the cooling lake for Hoosier Energy’s Merom Generating Station.

The tournament is designed to be enjoyable for participants as well as help to manage the catfish population in the reservoir.

“It’s always fun to take part in a contest and the reservoir is loaded down with catfish, so fishing enthusiasts shouldn’t have any trouble catching them,” said Hoosier Energy Environmental Team Leader Michalene Reilly, “There will be prizes throughout the contest for kids as well as adults. It gives the whole family an opportunity to fish together, compete for prizes and have fun.”

The grand prize is a bass boat with a trolling motor or the cash equivalent. Winners will be decided by the highest total weight of catfish caught, which is measured at the gate station. Several businesses, organizations and individuals contributed cash and prizes for the contest.

When the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) originally stocked catfish in the lake they were not expected to reproduce, Reilly said. However the catfish have thrived and have become detrimental to other fish species. Turtle Creek Reservoir is looking to return to its past reputation as a premier bass fishing location.

The tournament, which began on June 1, winds up at noon on September 30. Cost is $10 for participants 18 years and older while those under 18 pay $5. Hoosier Energy employees, their children and spouses are not be eligible for the contest.