The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is gearing up to enrich the state's fishing opportunities by releasing 85,000 rainbow trout across 90 different locations, with the initiative set to commence on Wednesday, March 12. As reported by ODNR, these fish are selected to encourage a high rate of catch and enjoyment for anglers through March, April, and May, with new spots like Stoner Pond, Starr Lake, and Wingfoot Wildlife Area added to the mix.
With the aim of spreading trout across the state, ODNR has chosen locations accessible to a wide number of anglers looking to spend a day reeling in these hard-fighting fish. These spots range from Antrim Lake in Central Ohio to the youth-friendly Caesar Creek State Park’s Youth Pond in Southwest Ohio, yet inclement weather can lead to adjustments in the schedule. Updates on stocking events are available online or by calling 1-800-WILDLIFE for the latest information on the planned stocking dates and locations.
Some locations will feature special events, including youth-only fishing days, during which trout fishing may be restricted to allow young anglers exclusive access for their recreational pursuit. ODNR advises anglers to check if any special events are happening at their chosen fishing spot. After the fish are introduced, state park youth ponds offer a week-long, under-16 exclusive period before opening up to everyone until April ends, shifting back to youth-only fishing on May 1 for the rest of the year.
Anglers looking to snag some of these 10-13-inch rainbow trout raised in Ohio's state fish hatcheries should remember that the optimal time for fishing is within two weeks of their release, as mentioned by ODNR. It's also essential to know the daily limit set at five per person and verify that they abide by the Ohio 2025-26 fishing regulations ahead of their excursion.
The requisite Ohio fishing license, which costs $25 annually or $14 for a one-day permit, remains mandatory for those 16 and older, these can be conveniently procured online, through the HuntFish OH app, and at sales agents around the state, with the proceeds from such sales, along with federal Sport Fish Restoration tax revenues—which come from taxes on fishing gear and motorboat fuel—helping to fund hatchery operations and various other conservation efforts as part of the mission of the Division of Wildlife to sustain the vitality of fish and wildlife for communal appreciation and use.
