Ohio’s anticipated annual release of rainbow trout was scheduled to begin at Adams Lake (Adams County) on March 6, but will be postponed according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). Ohio’s extended winter weather will likely leave many lakes frozen on their scheduled stocking date so some events will be rescheduled.
Currently the stockings at Adams Lake and Forked Run Lake have been postponed until March 18 and March 26, respectively, to allow time for the lakes to thaw.
Check the Wild Ohio calendar at wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/fishing/trout-stocking-dates for an updated schedule.
More than 98,000 rainbow trout will be released into 63 public lakes and ponds on selected dates through May. Several locations will hold special angler events during the scheduled releases, including youth only fishing.
Contact the nearest wildlife district office for specific times and locations. More information about trout releases can be found at wildohio.gov or by calling 800-WILDLIFE (945-3543).
Rainbow trout are a cold water species that do not naturally reproduce in Ohio waters, and these releases provide fantastic opportunities for anglers to pursue a fish they may not otherwise have the opportunity to catch.
The trout are raised at state fish hatcheries and released at suitable locations to provide additional opportunities for anglers. They measure 10-13 inches before they are released by the ODNR Division of Wildlife. The daily catch limit for inland lakes is five trout.
For regulations and other information, visit the ODNR website at www.wildohio.gov.
source: Ohio Department of Natural Resources