Do I need to bring my own rod?

No. Organizers typically supply basic rods, bait, and instruction for the Catfish Rodeo.

Is this event suitable for toddlers?

Yes—children of all ages are welcome, but toddlers should be supervised by an adult at all times near the water.

Are the fish kept or released?

Staff usually use catch-and-release protocols and will measure and photograph fish before returning them to the pond.

Is there a cost to attend?

Programming is often free or low-cost depending on park scheduling; check Chehaw Park & Zoo for registration and fee details.

What happens in bad weather?

Events may be delayed or canceled for heavy rain or unsafe conditions; confirm the day-of status with Chehaw Park & Zoo.

Is the site accessible?

The pond edges have grassy banks; accessibility details vary—contact Chehaw Park & Zoo for specific accommodations.

Family Catfish Rodeo at Chehaw Park & Zoo, Albany GA

Chehaw Park & Zoo’s Catfish Rodeo is a short, salt-free plunge into hands-on nature education at Chehaw Park & Zoo in Albany, Georgia. Held March 21 from 8am–12pm, this family-centered event hands kids and caregivers the simple gear and friendly instruction to catch live catfish from a stocked pond. It’s designed for all ages, low pressure, and built around safe interaction with wildlife. Arrive at the park’s pond and you’ll find shallow edges, grassy banks, and volunteers coaching baiting, line handling, and fish care. The focus is channel catfish and other hardy pond species common to Southwest Georgia; expect broad, whiskered catfish bodies, smooth skin, and sudden, surprising pulls on a light line. Staff explain fish biology and local habitat while keeping the tempo playful: short demos, one-on-one help for first-time anglers, and opportunities for photos and measuring before the fish are returned. The morning format—8am to 12pm—lets families enjoy cool air, fewer crowds, and easy naps back at camp or the car afterward. Beyond the catch, the setting makes this more than a lesson in fishing. Chehaw’s landscape blends open pond edge with native longleaf pine pockets and wiregrass that support songbirds and wading birds; you may hear belted kingfishers or see great blue herons quarter the shallows. The event sits inside a larger recreation area and zoo that emphasizes native species and conservation education, so the Catfish Rodeo doubles as a window into the local ecosystem and the park’s efforts to connect people with wildlife. Practical notes make the experience simple: bring sun protection, a refillable water bottle, and shoes that can get wet; organizers supply basic rods, bait, and instruction. The event’s design favors beginners and young hands—no advanced skills required—so it’s a good first catch for kids and adults who’ve never fished. Chehaw Park & Zoo provides a controlled, educational environment that’s rare in urban-adjacent parks: safe shallow water, trained staff, and a family-first layout that turns an ordinary weekend into a small rite of passage. If your visit to Albany includes outdoor-minded kids or multigenerational family time, book a morning at the Catfish Rodeo. It’s a quick, memorable way to touch the local waterways, meet live animals safely, and leave with a story about the one that got away—or the one you gently released back into the pond. On event day volunteers often set up short demonstration stations where children can learn to identify fins, scales, and basic fish anatomy, and staff answer questions about local water quality and habitat restoration. The Catfish Rodeo is free or low-cost depending on park programming; check Chehaw Park & Zoo for registration details and any age restrictions before you go. Arrive early for best parking and cooler temperatures.

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

4 hours (8am–12pm).

Fitness level

Light: participants should be able to stand, bend, and walk short distances; suitable for children and older adults with supervision.

Wildlife

great blue heron
belted kingfisher

History

Chehaw Park & Zoo is a community recreation and wildlife education area in Albany that emphasizes native species and public programming.

Conservation

Events like the Catfish Rodeo support hands-on education and catch-and-release practices that minimize impact; follow staff guidance to protect the pond habitat.

Chehaw Park in Albany, Georgia, combines a wildlife park, campground, and event venue across 800 acres of pine forest. The park operates as a public recreation and education space offering hands-on animal programs, seasonal festivals, cabin and primitive tent camping, and family-focused special events. Animal encounters, scheduled feedings, and behind-the-scenes nights like Good Nights At The Swamp (GNATS) introduce visitors to native and exotic species while trained educators focus on safety and conservation. Chehaw Park hosts signature annual events such as the Upland Wildlife Festival, Boo at the Zoo, and the Catfish Rodeo, attracting families, school groups, and outdoor enthusiasts from the region. Rental options include two-bedroom standard cabins with climate control and kitchenette facilities, plus pavilion rental for private animal-encounter parties and birthday packages that include animal visits and zoo access. The campground offers primitive tent camping among tall pines for guests seeking a back-to-nature experience. Seasonal youth programs such as Fall Camp teach wildlife behavior and preparation for winter. The park emphasizes conservation education through live animal shows and interactive demonstrations led by staff educators. By combining recreation, wildlife viewing, and structured learning opportunities, Chehaw Park provides accessible outdoor experiences that support regional habitat protection and wildlife awareness. Chehaw Park serves as a community resource for education, recreation, and conservation outreach throughout Albany and Southwest Georgia, with year-round programming.

Base locationAlbany, Georgia

Tours offered25+

Specialtywater-activities

StewardshipLeave No Trace