Stocking starts today
Beginning today, ODNR’s Division of Wildlife crews are fanning out to release rainbow trout in public waters as part of a statewide program that will continue through May, dependent on ice-free, accessible conditions. Officials say more than 80,000 trout will be stocked at 93 locations this spring, with sites chosen so most Ohioans are within a reasonable drive of at least one stocked lake or pond.
The fish, raised at state hatcheries in London, Kincaid and Castalia, typically measure 10 to 13 inches when they leave the tanks and enter public waters. The daily harvest limit on inland lakes is five trout per angler, a regulation designed to spread the opportunity among as many people as possible while still allowing anglers to take fish home.
Family-friendly fishing focus
ODNR describes the spring trout releases as a family-friendly gateway into fishing, aimed especially at beginners and youth anglers. Stocked waters are often smaller park ponds and community lakes where bank access is easy, parking is close and crowds of anglers can work the shoreline without boats.
Some locations will host special events on stocking days, including youth-only fishing periods and organized activities meant to introduce children to fishing basics. At designated state park youth ponds, fishing is restricted to anglers 15 and younger for the first seven days after stocking before opening to all ages through the end of April.
Where trout are being released
Today’s initial stockings include lakes and ponds in several regions, with additional waves scheduled in the coming weeks as trucks work their way across Ohio. In central Ohio, Heritage Park’s Palm Pond in Franklin County is on the schedule, with a series of Columbus city park ponds—such as Franklin Park, Goodale Park, Schiller Park and others—set to receive trout later this month and again in April.
Statewide, popular trout spots highlighted by ODNR and partner outlets include Antrim Lake in Columbus, Delaware State Park Pond, Yoctangee Park Lake in Chillicothe, the St. Clairsville Reservoir in Belmont County and Turkey Creek Lake in southern Ohio. New additions to the stocking list this year include Mirror Pond at Meadow Ridge Metro Park in Butler County, Restoration Park Pond in Clark County, East Palestine Park Pond in Columbiana County, Turtle Pond at Countryside Park in Montgomery County, Al Lease Park Pond in Portage County and Boettler Park Pond in Summit County.
What anglers need to know
ODNR advises that the best chance to catch rainbow trout comes within roughly two weeks of stocking, before warming water temperatures and heavy fishing pressure thin their numbers. Simple setups—such as light spinning tackle with small hooks, prepared baits, or basic spinners—are typically effective on stocker-sized trout in shallow park ponds.
Anyone 16 or older must have a valid Ohio fishing license to fish public waters, including stocked sites. Annual licenses cost about $25, while a one-day license is available and can be credited toward the purchase of an annual license if anglers decide to keep fishing through the season.
Finding local stocking dates
A full list of stocking locations, dates and any associated special events is available on ODNR’s website, which also includes maps, driving directions and updated notices if weather forces schedule changes. The agency encourages anglers to check online or call its information line before heading out, especially early in the season when late snow, ice or high water can delay trout releases.
With the first fish going into the water today, ODNR officials say the spring stocking program is intended to give Ohioans an accessible way to shake off winter, get outside and put fresh trout on the table—often just a short drive from home.