The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife will release 85,000 rainbow trout across the state beginning Wednesday, March 13. The 95 stocking locations were chosen to give as many anglers as possible a chance to reel in these feisty fish in March, April, and May. Trout releases are designed for high angler success and harvest. Last year, ODNR reported that 2023 would be the final year of the trout release for Adams Lake, however, the agency later changed course and decided to continue.
Some trout stocking locations feature a special event on the day of the scheduled release, including youth-only fishing. Fishing at state park youth ponds is only available for youth 16 years of age and younger for the first seven days after trout are released. After that week, these waters are open to anglers of all ages through the end of April. On May 1, these ponds return to providing youth-only fishing for the rest of the year.
Rainbow trout are raised at Ohio’s coldwater state fish hatcheries and measure between 10-13 inches when they are released by the Division of Wildlife. Rainbow trout are stocked primarily near metropolitan areas in order to provide close to home fishing opportunities for many anglers. Trout are sensitive to warm temperatures and typically do not survive through late spring so the best time to catch them is within two weeks of release.
Anglers ages 16 and older are required to have an Ohio fishing license to fish in state public waters. An annual license is $25 and is valid for one year after purchase. A one-day fishing license costs $14 and may be redeemed for credit toward the purchase of a one-year fishing license. Licenses and permits can be purchased online at wildohio.gov, through the HuntFish OH app, and at participating license sales agents.
