The Iowa Department of Natural Resources fisheries staff will release between 1,000 to 2,000 rainbow trout in 11 lakes across Iowa in March and April as part of its cool weather trout program.
Spring community trout stockings are a great place to take kids to catch their first fish. A small hook with a nightcrawler or corn under a small bobber to casting small simple spinners such as a panther martin or mepps is all you need to get in on the fun.
Bringing trout to cities and towns offers a “close to home” option for Iowans who might not travel to northeast Iowa to experience trout fishing. Most locations also host a family-friendly event 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 buy a trout fee which will allow them to catch their own limit.
After you buy your trout fee, you can fish for trout all year long at any of the community trout lakes and trout streams in northeast Iowa. Find trout fishing tips on the DNR website at www.iowadnr.gov/trout.
2020 Spring Community Trout Stocking Schedule
Update: Cancelled to minimize crowds in an effort to minimize the spread of COVID-19. Trout will still be stocked this spring at these locations, but the date and time will not be announced.
March 27, Discovery Park, Muscatine, 10 a.m.
March 27, Wilson Lake, Fort Madison, Noon
March 28, Jefferson County Park Pond, Fairfield, 10:30 a.m.
March 28, Ottumwa Park Pond, Ottumwa, 11 a.m.
April 4, Banner Lake (South), Summerset State Park, Indianola, Noon
April 4, Liberty Centre Pond, North Liberty, 11 a.m.
April 11, Terra Lake, Johnston, Noon
April 18, North Prairie Lake, Cedar Falls, 10 a.m.
April 18, Prairie Park (Cedar Bend), Cedar Rapids, 10 a.m.
April 25, Heritage Pond, Dubuque, 10 a.m.
April 25, Sand Lake, Marshalltown, 11 a.m.