Annual winter trout stocking under way

For an inexpensive, entry-level fishing experience the entire family can enjoy, it doesn't get much easier than winter rainbow trout fishing in Texas.

From now through March, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will stock upward of 275,000 hatchery-reared rainbow trout at about 120 sites across the state. Many of the fish stockings will be conducted at small community fishing lakes, state park lakes and popular river tailraces that offer easy angling access.

TPWD has been stocking rainbow trout each winter since the 1970s to provide Texans a simple and economical opportunity to go fishing.

Catching these hungry fish can be easy, which makes the experience ideal for both novice anglers and kids. The fish will bite almost immediately after stocking and typically will take a variety of baits, from whole-kernel canned corn to commercial soft bait to artificial flies and even small spinner baits.

Fishing gear can be as basic as an inexpensive spincast rod and reel combo, a small plastic bobber, a fishing weight and a hook. It's also a good idea to carry along a pair of needle-nosed pliers to help remove hooks, and a five-gallon bucket, small ice chest or fish stringer to keep the catch. Be sure to keep freshly caught trout cold on ice or refrigerated.

A list of stocking sites with detailed driving directions is available on the TPWD website at tpwd.state.tx.us/troutstocking/. Posted stocking dates show when the trout will be available to the public. Many sites offer special events for youth prior to the public dates for fishing.

A valid Texas freshwater fishing package is required to fish for trout. Youth ages 16 and younger and all anglers fishing from the bank in state parks are exempt from the fishing package requirement.