Annual Rainbow Trout Stocking in Texas Begins
Eugene L. 12.01.22
One of the most popular fish to target in the US, rainbow trout are, surprisingly popular to target in the Southern part of the country. Which is odd when you think about how the trout can’t survive the heat down here most of the year. But nonetheless, through stocking efforts and hatcheries, rainbow trout are available for anglers all throughout the south to target. Back on November 23rd, the day before Thanksgiving, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) started their annual stocking of thousands of rainbow trout. This is an annual winter tradition in Texas where the TPWD stocks various waterbodies across the state throughout the winter.
“TPWD stocks catchable sized fish during winter months to create unique winter angling opportunities throughout Texas,” said Carl Kittel, TPWD Rainbow Trout Program Director. “Rainbow trout love cold water and can be caught on a variety of baits and lures (worms, commercially available pastes, corn, spinners, spoons, flies and more), and are great to take home and eat. Our winter rainbow trout program has been a favorite of anglers for over forty years.”
With the initial stocking of trout on November 23rd with additional stockings through March 3rd, the TPWD plans on stocking 337,469 rainbow trout all over Texas. The TPWD advises anglers to keep a daily limit of five trout when they can, due to rainbow trout being unable to survive in Texas after the winter. Rainbow trout are an excellent eating fish and fun to target on light tackle.
For trout angling opportunities there are several options:
- The Neighborhood Fishin’ program for families and new anglers in and around major cities out lakes
- The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center casting pond, and several rivers including the Frio, South Llano and Guadalupe rivers and the Clear Fork of the Trinity River.
- Texas State Parks from a bank, dock or pier for free without a fishing license. TPWD recommends anyone planning a trip to a park reserve a day pass in advance. Day passes can be reserved online though the TPWD website or over the phone by calling (512) 389-8900
In Texas, children under 17 fish for free, but adults must have a fishing license with a freshwater fishing endorsement. An angler fishing in a Community Fishing Lake or from a dock, pier or jetty within a Texas State Park may use no more than two poles. The statewide bag limit is five trout, except on parts of the Guadalupe River where special limits are in effect.
The dates and locations are subject to change due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Be sure to check the 2022-23 Trout Stocking Schedule online before you go fishing to confirm the stocking date, check fishing regulations and to find other winter trout stocking program angling tips.
