The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will release trout in seven locations across Iowa this winter in areas that would not support them in warmer months.
Winter trout stockings are a great place to take kids to catch their first fish. A family-friendly event is paired with most stockings to help anglers have success and fun while fishing.
The popular program is supported by the sales of the trout fee. Anglers need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. The daily limit is five trout per licensed angler with a possession limit of 10.
Children age 15 or younger can fish for trout with a properly licensed adult, but they must limit their catch to one daily limit. They can buy a trout fee which will allow them to catch their own limit.
Winter trout stockings are dependent on favorable weather and safe ice conditions. Check the DNR Trout Fishing website at www.iowadnr.gov/trout for possible changes to the schedule.
With this year’s mild winter weather, use caution when venturing out on any ice. Find tips for staying safe on the ice on the DNR website at www.iowadnr.gov/icefishing.
2020 Winter Community Trout Stocking Schedule
Jan. 11, Blue Pit, Mason City, at 11 a.m.
Jan. 18, Moorland Pond, Fort Dodge, at 11 a.m.
Postponed due to poor weather and extremely high winds. Rescheduled for Friday, January 24th at noon.
Jan. 18, Big Lake, Council Bluffs, at 2 p.m.
Postponed due to unsafe ice conditions. Rescheduled for Friday, January 24th at 3 p.m.
Jan. 25, Bacon Creek, Sioux City, at 1:30 p.m.
Jan. 25, Lake Petocka, Bondurant, at Noon
Cancelled due to unsafe ice conditions for the expected large crowd. The DNR is planning to stock trout in Lake Petocka sometime next week depending on weather and road conditions. The family fishing event will not be rescheduled.
Feb. 1, Ada Hayden, Ames, at Noon
Postponed due to unsafe ice conditions for the expected large crowd. Rescheduled for Feb. 8 at noon.
Feb. 1, Scharnberg Pond, Spencer, at Noon