COLUMBUS — Spring is just around the corner, and fishing tackle is being pulled out of garages and attics all over north central Ohio.
Just over 80,000 rainbow trout are released every spring in many Ohio public lakes and ponds, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
Rainbow trout releases will take place across Ohio during March through May in 2021, as long as areas are ice-free and accessible to anglers.
Stocking of these public lakes and ponds are excellent opportunities for families to fish together. Fishing for catchable-sized trout is also a great way to introduce young people to the outdoors.
Rainbow trout are raised at state fish hatcheries and measure 10-13 inches before they are released by the ODNR Division of Wildlife. The daily harvest limit for inland lakes is five trout per angler. Scroll down for directions to stocked lakes.
** Indicates a special angler event is planned for the trout release.
Call 1-800-WILDLIFE (800) 945-3543 for specific information.
Here is the release dates scheduled in north central Ohio.
Quarry Park in Marion County, the week of March 26.
Foundation Park in Knox County, the week of April 2.
Mount Gilead Lake in Morrow County, the week of April 2.
Blue Limestone Park in Delaware County, the week of April 2.
Malabar Farm Pond in Ashland County, the week of April 9.
Shelby Reservoir No. 3 in Richland County, the week of April 9.
Norwalk Reservoir No. 1 in Huron County, the week of April 9.
Lamberjack Lake in Seneca County, the week of April 9.
Ashley Upground in Delaware County, the week of April 30.
Sunbury Upground No. 1 in Delaware County, the week of April 30.
Cross Industrial Ponds in Crawford County, in early May.
