The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries began stocking 17 sites across the state with adult-size Rainbow Trout as part of the department’s Get Out & Fish Program. The program hopes to encourage both experienced and beginner anglers to head out and enjoy the Sportsman’s Paradise. Fish will be stocked at sites designed for bank fishing, and Wildlife and Fisheries Biologist Danica Williams says the program provides a unique opportunity…
“We put a few in. It’s called ‘put and take.’ We just put enough in there for folks to go out and have a good time, and they catch them and harvest them before the water temperature starts to rise.”
Rainbow Trout are native to rivers and lakes in Western North America, but their rise in popularity as a sport fish has increased stocking programs across the U.S. Williams says the LWDF stock the fish during the winter months as water temperatures cool down, and anglers are encouraged to keep their catch so the trout are harvested before the temperatures increase…
“The water has to be at least 68 degrees or lower for the trout to survive so we go ahead and stock them during the winter months.”
Anglers can find a list of all 17 sites on the LDWF Get Out & Fish webpage along with directions, hours of operations, and any information you may need for each location. Williams also says the site has a map with each site and links to videos on tips and tricks to catch the fish…
“Even if you’ve never fished before, don’t be scared. Go on our website. We have everything that you need for beginners and even for the folks that have been fishing all their lives, and they want to try something different.”
More Information can be found at www.wlf.louisiana.gov/GOF or on Facebook and Instagram @ldwfgetoutandfish.
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