Iowa DNR Starts Winter Community Trout Stocking January 14th

Did you know that the Iowa DNR stocks more than 300,000 catchable-sized rainbow trout in 50 Northeast Iowa streams each year from April through October? True story! In fact, more than 600 extra brood trout, weighing over 2 pounds each, are also released in small numbers into Iowa streams.

And, according to a press release from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the Community Fishing Trout Program offers a “close to home” option for anglers across the state to experience trout fishing. These cool weather stockings provide easy access to trout fishing in 5 Iowa streams that could not support trout during the summer months.

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Did you know that winter trout stockings are a great place to take kids to catch their first fish? According to the DNR, a small split shot and a hook with almost any kind of bait will catch trout and after a stocking is the best time to take your chance. And in all honesty, I have never been trout OR fly fishing, but this sems to be the time to try it out for inexperienced fishers.

The winter trout stocking program is supported by the sales of the trout fee, which is currently an additional $14.50 for residents and $17.50 for nonresidents with the purchase of a fishing license (Resident: $22, Nonresident: $48). The daily limit is five trout per licensed angler with a possession limit of 10.

Children aged 15 or younger can fish for trout with a properly licensed adult, but must limit their catch to one daily limit. Although, they can buy a trout fee which will allow them to catch their own limit. Winter trout stocking events are dependent on favorable weather and safe ice conditions. Check the DNR Trout Fishing website at www.iowadnr.gov/trout for possible changes to the schedule.

Iowa's 2023 Winter Community Trout Stocking Schedule:

• January 14th, Blue Pit, Mason City, at 11 am

• January 14th, Bacon Creek Lake, Sioux City, at 1:30 pm

• January 20th, Moorland Pond, Fort Dodge, at 11:30 am

• January 20th, Big Lake, Council Bluffs, at 2:30 pm

• Januart 21st, Scharnberg Pond, Spencer, at 12:30 pm

This year the Spring Community Trout Stocking Schedule will see DNR fisheries release between 1,000 to 2,000 rainbow trout in 13 additional lakes across Iowa in March and April as part of its cool weather trout program. Check the DNR Trout Fishing website for dates and locations. A family-friendly event is paired with most of these stockings in the hopes that anglers and their families have success and fun while fishing.