Staff Reports
AUSTIN — For Texans in search of convenient fishing, it doesn’t get much better than winter trout season in Texas.
From December through mid-March, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will stock more than 270,000 hatchery-reared rainbow trout at 120 sites across the state. On Dec. 4, the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, located on Farm-to-Market 2495 outside of Athens, will have its ponds loaded with 5,000 rainbow trout.
TPWD has been stocking rainbow trout each winter since the 1970s, offering Texans a convenient and inexpensive opportunity to go fishing.
Catching these hungry fish can be easy, making the experience ideal for children and novice anglers alike. Most sites get an annual dose of more than 1,000 trout. The fish will begin to bite almost immediately after stocking. They typically will take a variety of baits, from whole kernel canned corn or commercial soft bait to artificial flies and even small spinner baits.
Fishing gear can be as basic as an inexpensive spincast rod and reel combo, a small plastic bobber or a fishing weight, and a hook. It’s also a good idea to carry along a pair of needle-nosed pliers to help remove hooks, and a 5-gallon bucket, small ice chest or a fish stringer to keep your catch. Be sure to keep freshly caught trout on ice to keep them fresh.
The complete 2009-10 Rainbow Trout Stocking Schedule can be found on the TPWD Web site. Here anglers can find stocking locations, stocking dates and driving directions to many sites. Many locations host special events for youth, in addition to allowing the public fishing opportunities. Check with local parks and recreation departments or water authorities for additional information.
