Trout stockings unannounced this winter

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources released between 1,000 to 2,000 rainbow trout at five community trout ponds as part of its cool weather trout program that brings trout to areas that cannot support them during the summer. The Scharnberg Pond located southeast of Everly was included on the list.

All winter/spring community trout stockings will be unannounced this year. Family fishing events will not be held to help reduce the crowd size at stocking locations and minimize the spread of COVID-19.

Check the DNR website at http://www.iowadnr.gov/trout and watch for future press releases to find out when the remaining community trout locations have been stocked.

The program offers a close-to-home option for Iowans who might not travel to the coldwater streams in northeast Iowa to discover trout fishing. It is supported by the sales of the trout fee, and 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.