COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife will release 84,000 rainbow trout in 88 lakes and ponds starting on March 16, 2023.
The aim, ODNR said, is to give anglers a high chance of success in catching these lively fish during the months of March, April, and May.
Some locations will feature special events, including youth-only fishing. Anglers can catch up to five rainbow trout per day, and they are reminded that they need to have an Ohio fishing license to fish in public waters.
The annual license costs $25, and a one-day fishing license costs $14. The funds from fishing licenses and the federal Sport Fish Restoration program are used to support the operation of the Division of Wildlife fish hatcheries, conduct research, provide aquatic education, secure fishing access, and acquire habitats.
Here is a list of some of the popular fishing locations in Ohio where rainbow trout are stocked:
- Central Ohio: Antrim Lake, Whetstone Park, Heritage Park Pond, Sunbury Upground Reservoir, and Delaware State Park Pond
- Northwest Ohio: East Harbor State Park Pond, Giertz Lake, Maumee Bay State Park Nature Center Pond, Olander Lake, Pearson Metropark Ponds, and Sleepy Hollow Park Pond
- Northeast Ohio: Beartown Lake, Brushwood Lake, Little Turtle Pond, Munroe Falls Lake, Rowland Nature Preserve Lake, and Westlake Nature Center Pond
- Southeast Ohio: Buckeye Park Lake, Penrod Lake, Rose Lake, St. Clairsville Reservoir, Turkey Creek Lake, and Chillicothe’s Yoctangee Park Lake
- Southwest Ohio: Adams Lake, Caesar Creek Youth Pond, Cowan Lake Youth Pond, Home of the Brave Park Pond, Rocky Fork State Park Beach Pond, Rush Run Lake, and Sycamore State Park Pond