The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will release trout in seven locations this winter in areas that would not support them during warmer months.
These winter stockings are a great place to take kids to catch their first fish. A family friendly event is paired with most of the 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. The child can purchase a trout fee which will allow them to catch their own limit.
Winter stocking events are dependent on favorable weather and ice conditions. Check the DNR Trout Fishing website at www.iowadnr.gov/trout for possible changes.
2019 Winter Community Trout Stocking Schedule
Jan. 12, Blue Pit, Mason City, at 11 a.m.
Jan. 12, Bacon Creek, Sioux City, at 1:30 p.m.
Update: The Bacon Creek event has been postponed and rescheduled for Jan. 26 at 1:30 p.m.
Jan. 19, Scharnberg Pond, Spencer, at Noon
Update: Scharnberg Pond trout stocking and family trout fishing event scheduled for Jan. 19 has been postponed due to expected inclement weather. The stocking has been rescheduled for Feb. 2 at noon.
Jan. 19, Big Lake, Council Bluffs, at 2:30 p.m.
Update: Big Lake trout stocking and family trout fishing event scheduled for Jan. 19 has been postponed due to unsafe ice conditions. The stocking will be rescheduled as soon as there is safe ice or open water in this spring.
Jan. 19, Moorland Pond, Fort Dodge, at 11:30 a.m.
Update: Moorland Pond trout stocking and family trout fishing event scheduled for Jan. 19 has been postponed due to expected inclement weather. The stocking has been rescheduled for Feb. 9 at 11:30 a.m.
Jan. 26, Lake Petocka, Bondurant, at Noon
Update: The trout stocking and family trout fishing event scheduled for this Saturday, Jan. 26 at Lake Petocka has been cancelled due to unsafe ice conditions and inclement weather expected this weekend.
Feb. 2, Ada Hayden, Ames, at Noon