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Park reports large fish stocking, reopens fishing May 1 and allows kayaks with waiver
Summary
Park staff reported extensive fish stocking earlier this season and set a May 1 reopening for fishing; beginning May 2 the park will allow canoes, kayaks and paddleboards on specified ponds provided users sign a numbered waiver of claims and follow DNR rules (no electric motors).
Park staff told the Henry County Memorial Park board on April 21 that the park undertook a sizeable fish-stocking effort and set dates for the return of recreational fishing and limited non-motorized boating.
According to the park report, stocking that began in late 2025 and continued into 2026 included: 500 hybrid bluegill; 1,000 largemouth bass; 750 redear sunfish; 3,000 bluegill; 750 4–6-inch channel catfish; 500 larger channel catfish; 75,000 fathead minnows; six 8-inch koi; and 25 triploid (sterile) grass carp. Staff said the sterile grass carp were selected to control aquatic vegetation as an alternative to chemical treatment.
The park will reopen to fishing on May 1. Staff reminded anglers to follow Indiana DNR rules for licenses and size limits; park employees said DNR will visit the park to check compliance. Beginning Saturday, May 2, non-motorized craft (canoes, kayaks and paddleboards) will be permitted on Shively Pond and the lagoon. The board requires every watercraft user to sign a numbered waiver of claims and release before using the water; users must carry a copy for spot checks and a responsible adult must sign for minors. The park also prohibited electric motors on the ponds.
Recordkeeping will be handled by the park office: staff said waivers will be numbered and copies retained, and park rangers and other staff will be given instructions on how to check for waivers and enforce the policy.
The board emphasized compliance with state rules and that fishing and boating are subject to DNR enforcement.
Next steps: staff will put waiver forms into regular circulation and post opening dates on the park calendar and website.
