The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife has scheduled the release of 85,000 rainbow trout at 90 locations beginning Wednesday, March 12. The locations were chosen to give as many anglers as possible a chance to reel in these feisty fish in March, April, and May. Trout releases are designed for high angler success and harvest.

New trout release locations include Stoner Pond and Starr Lake, both in Lucas County as well as Wingfoot Wildlife Area in Portage County. Find a complete list of release dates and locations at ohiodnr.gov/troutstockings. Trout stocking events at certain locations may change due to weather, be sure to look for updated information online or by calling 1-800-WILDLIFE (1-800-945-3543).

Some trout stocking locations feature a special event on the day of the scheduled release, including youth-only fishing. Trout fishing opportunities for the public may be limited during special events. Fishing at state park youth ponds is only available for youth 15 years of age and younger for the first seven days after trout are released. After that week, these waters are open to anglers of all ages for trout fishing opportunities through the end of April. On May 1, these ponds return to providing youth-only fishing for the rest of the year.

Where to fish

Rainbow trout are stocked throughout Ohio. A few of the most popular fishing locations are:

• 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 stocking these public lakes and ponds in addition to other water areas across the state, the Division of Wildlife provides anglers the opportunity to enjoy quality spring rainbow trout fishing in a family-friendly environment. Check Ohio’s 2025-26 fishing regulations before your outing and be aware that the daily limit is five rainbow trout per angler.

Rainbow trout are raised at Ohio’s coldwater state fish hatcheries and measure between 10-13 inches when they are released by the Division of Wildlife. Rainbow trout are stocked primarily near metropolitan areas to provide close-to-home fishing opportunities for many anglers. Trout are sensitive to warm temperatures and typically do not survive through late spring so the best time to catch them is within two weeks of release.

Anglers ages 16 and older are required to have an Ohio fishing license to fish in state public waters. An annual license is $25 and is valid for one year after purchase. A one-day fishing license costs $14 and may be redeemed for credit toward the purchase of a one-year fishing license. Licenses and permits can be purchased online at wildohio.gov, through the HuntFish OH app, and at participating license sales agents.

Sales of fishing licenses along with the federal Sport Fish Restoration program support the operation of Division of Wildlife fish hatcheries. The Sport Fish Restoration program is a partnership between federal and state governments, the fishing industry, anglers, and boaters. When anglers purchase rods, reels, fishing tackle, fish finders, and motorboat fuel, they pay an excise tax. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service administers and disburses funds from these taxes to state fish and wildlife agencies. These funds are used to acquire habitat, produce and stock fish, conduct research and assessment surveys, provide aquatic education, and secure fishing access.

The mission of the Division of Wildlife is to conserve and improve fish and wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainable use and appreciation by all. Visit wildohio.gov to find out more.

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.