COLUMBUS, Ohio – Anglers across Ohio will have the opportunity to reel in rainbow trout this spring as the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife prepares to release 85,000 rainbow trout at 90 locations beginning Wednesday, March 12. The statewide stocking program is designed to maximize fishing success and provide accessible angling opportunities for residents in March, April, and May.
New Stocking Locations & Schedule
This year’s release includes two locations in Ross County
- Caldwell Lake will receive Trout on 3/13/25
- Yoctangee park will receive Trout on 4/26/25
Surrounding counties including Fayette and Fairfield will receive fish also
A full list of release dates and locations is available at ohiordnr.gov/troutstockings. Anglers are encouraged to check for updates, as stocking schedules may change due to weather conditions. For information, call 1-800-WILDLIFE (1-800-945-3543).
Special Events & Youth Fishing
Some stocking locations will host special events, including youth-only fishing on the day of the trout release. At state park youth ponds, fishing is exclusively for youth ages 15 and under for the first seven days after stocking. After that, fishing is open to all anglers through April, before returning to youth-only fishing on May 1 for the remainder of the year.
Where to Fish for Rainbow Trout
Rainbow trout will be stocked in lakes and ponds across the state. Popular fishing locations include:
- Central Ohio: Antrim Lake, Franklin Park Pond, 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, Blue Heron Preserve Pond, Rowland Nature Preserve Lake, Westlake Recreation Center Pond, and Wingfoot Wildlife Area
- Southeast Ohio: Buckeye Park Lake, Penrod Lake, Rose Lake, St. Clairsville Reservoir, Turkey Creek Lake, and Yoctangee Park Lake
- Southwest Ohio: Adams Lake, Caesar Creek State Park’s Youth Pond, Cowan Lake State Park’s Youth Pond, Rocky Fork State Park Beach Pond, Rush Run Wildlife Area Pond, and Sycamore State Park Pond
By distributing rainbow trout across public lakes and ponds, the Division of Wildlife aims to provide family-friendly fishing experiences while promoting outdoor recreation.
Fishing Regulations & Licensing
Before heading out, anglers should review Ohio’s 2025-26 fishing regulations. The daily limit for rainbow trout is five per angler.
- Ages 16 and older must have a valid Ohio fishing license to fish in public waters.
- An annual fishing license costs $25 and is valid for one year from the date of purchase.
- A one-day fishing license is available for $14 and can be redeemed for credit toward an annual license.
Licenses can be purchased online at wildohio.gov, through the HuntFish OH app, or from participating sales agents.
Trout Stocking & Conservation Efforts
The Division of Wildlife’s coldwater hatcheries raise rainbow trout measuring 10-13 inches before they are released. Since rainbow trout are sensitive to warm temperatures, they typically do not survive beyond late spring, making the best time to fish within two weeks of their release.
Funding for the trout stocking program is supported by fishing license sales and the federal Sport Fish Restoration program. This initiative, in partnership with anglers, boaters, and the fishing industry, helps sustain Ohio’s fisheries through habitat conservation, fish stocking, and aquatic education.
For more information on trout stocking and fishing regulations, visit wildohio.gov.
