Changes to the Trout Stocking in Ohio’s Van Wert Reservoirs
OutdoorHub 03.19.13
Anglers should be aware that trout will not be stocked in the Van Wert Reservoir #1 this year. Instead, the trout will be stocked in the Van Wert Reservoir #2, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife.
The date of the stocking, March 22, 2013, will remain the same. In order to prevent damage to the dike around Van Wert #1, the Division of Wildlife will now release catchable rainbow trout into the city’s other reservoir, Van Wert #2.
The stocking of public lakes and ponds is an excellent opportunity for families to fish together. Fishing for catchable-sized trout is a great way to introduce young people to the outdoors. Rainbow trout are raised at state fish hatcheries and are 10-13 inches before they are released by the ODNR Division of Wildlife. The daily catch limit for inland lakes is five trout.
Sales of fishing licenses along with the 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 is a partnership between federal and state government, industry, and anglers/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 acquire and develop boat accesses.
