Indiana – The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Division of Fish & Wildlife has made significant adjustments to its trout stocking plans for streams across the state due to a shortage of rainbow trout at the hatchery. This change has affected the stocking of certain streams, with some anglers facing a delay in receiving the expected number of rainbow trout.
Prior to the opening day of trout season on April 26, the DNR successfully stocked 19 streams across 13 counties with trout. However, due to the shortage, some of these locations did not receive the planned number of rainbow trout. In an effort to still meet the needs of local anglers, the DNR supplemented the shortage by stocking some streams with brown trout. This substitution is part of the department’s efforts to ensure that anglers still have a fulfilling experience despite the challenges posed by the hatchery shortage.
Unfortunately, there will be no further rainbow trout stocked in these affected streams for the remainder of the spring season. However, the DNR has announced that nine of the affected streams will receive brown trout later this month. These brown trout will range in size from 8 to 12 inches. For more information on which streams are impacted and to access updated stocking schedules, the DNR has made all relevant details available at on.IN.gov/fish-stocking.
The bag limit for trout in Indiana’s inland waters, excluding Lake Michigan and its tributaries, is set at five trout per day, with a minimum size of 7 inches. However, anglers should note that no more than one of the five fish caught can be a brown trout. There are also some specific regulations regarding size limits for trout caught in inland lakes. While there is no general size limit for most trout on inland lakes, any brown trout caught below the Brookville Lake tailwater or from Oliver, Olin, or Martin lakes must be 18 inches or longer to be kept.
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Anglers who are planning to fish for trout must be aware that they are required to have both an Indiana fishing license and a trout/salmon stamp. The DNR reminds those interested in fishing this year to purchase the necessary permits at GoOutdoorsIN.com.
The department’s decision to modify the trout stocking plans comes as part of their ongoing commitment to sustainable fish management and ensuring a good experience for anglers across the state. Despite the challenges, the DNR is working diligently to make sure the trout population remains healthy and that fishing enthusiasts can continue to enjoy the state’s bountiful waters.
