|
|
 |
 |
Catchable Trout
Releases Scheduled to Begin in March
COLUMBUS, OH – More than 100,000 rainbow trout are expected to be
released this spring in 64 Ohio public lakes and ponds, creating
excellent fishing opportunities for anglers all across Ohio, according
to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). The first rainbow
trout release is scheduled for Friday, March 2, at Adams Lake in Adams
County.
Rainbow trout releases will take place across Ohio from March 2-May 19
as long as areas are ice-free and accessible to anglers. Information
about the trout releases, including updates to the schedule due to
weather and stocking locations, is available at wildohio.gov or by
calling 800-WILDLIFE (945-3543).
By stocking these water areas throughout the state, opportunities are
created for anglers of all ages to get out and enjoy quality spring
trout fishing in a family-friendly environment. Many stocked locations
will feature special angler events, including youth-only fishing on the
day of the trout release.
Rainbow trout are raised at Ohio’s state fish hatcheries and measure
10-13 inches before they are released by the ODNR Division of Wildlife.
The daily catch limit for inland lakes is five trout.
Anglers age 16 and older must have an Ohio fishing license to fish in
state public waters. The 2018-2019 fishing license is now available and
is valid through Feb. 28, 2019. An annual resident fishing license
costs $19. A one-day fishing license costs $11. The one-day license may
also be redeemed for credit toward the purchase of an annual fishing
license.
Licenses and permits can be purchased online at wildohio.gov and at
participating agents throughout the state. A complete list of
participating license sales agents can be found at wildohio.gov.
Sales of fishing licenses along with the federal Sport Fish Restoration
(SFR) program continue to fund the operation of the ODNR Division of
Wildlife’s fish hatcheries. No state tax dollars are used for this
activity. This is a user-pay, user-benefit program.
The SFR program is a partnership between federal and state government,
industry, anglers and boaters. When anglers purchase rods, reels,
fishing tackle, fish finders and motor boat fuel, they pay an excise
tax. The federal government collects these taxes, and the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service administers and disburses these funds to state fish
and wildlife agencies. These funds are used to acquire habitat, produce
and stock fish, conduct research and surveys, provide aquatic education
to youth, and secure and develop boat accesses.
For a list of trout stocking dates and locations, go to
wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/fishing/trout-stocking-dates.
ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural
resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.
Editor’s Note: Scheduled trout releases in 2018 are listed in the
attached document. Some locations will feature special events on the
day of the scheduled trout release. A ** indicates a special angler
event is planned for the trout release. For more information, contact
the nearest Wildlife District Office.
|
|
|
|
