The annual fall stocking of some 25,000 10- to 13-inch rainbow trout in impoundments around Ohio gets under way next week, the Ohio Division of Wildlife said.
Three northwest Ohio impoundments will see trout plantings on Thursday, including Lamberjack Reservoir, also known as Fostoria No. 3, in Hancock County; Lima Lake near Lima in Allen County, and Swanton Reservoir in Lucas County.
Norwalk Reservoir No. 1 at Norwalk in Huron County is set for stocking Oct. 9, and Grand Lake St. Marys in Auglaize County on Oct. 16.
The fish represent excess production of rainbows groomed as steelhead trout for Lake Erie tributaries. The wildlife division usually alternates among various impoundments for its spring and fall stockings to spread around the fun.
"This annual stocking provides excellent opportunities for anglers to continue fishing through the fall all across Ohio," said Elmer Heyob, hatcheries program administrator for the division.
These trout are hardly sophisticated but plenty feisty on ultralight spinning or fly fishing tackle, not to mention fine table fare. They will attack small spinners, small shiny spoons, tiny spinnerbaits such as the Beet-L-Spin, and small jigs, including ones rigged with dropper flies. Hooks baited with everything from wax worms and red worms to corn, fished under bobbers, also work well.
Remember that the daily creel limit for these stockers is five. For details on all trout stockings statewide this month, visit ohiodnr.com, or call Wildlife District 2 at Findlay, 419-424-5000.
Contact Steve Pollick at:
spollick@theblade.com
or 419-724-6068.
