Trout Season Opens This Weekend at Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center

Larry Hodge, 903-676-2277, larry.hodge@tpwd.texas.gov

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ATHENS, Texas — Rainbow trout fishing comes to the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens each December, once water temperatures cool enough for the cold-water fish to survive.

Recent cold fronts have done their job, and several thousand rainbow trout now swim in the fishing ponds and streams at the center.

Whether fly-fishing or using conventional tackle, anglers will increase their success rate by using baits that look similar to the floating fish pellets the hatchery-raised trout are accustomed to eating. One brand is Berkley Hatchery Formula Chews, available online and at major outdoor retailers.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department purchases trout each year and stocks them into urban ponds around the state in order to increase fishing opportunity. A complete list of stocked ponds and the approximate dates fish will arrive can be found on the TPWD Web site at http://tpwd.texas.gov/fish/infish/reports/trout_stocking.phtml.

No fishing license is needed to fish at TFFC, and rods, reels and bait are furnished free. Anglers are allowed to bring their own tackle and bait, but no treble hooks are allowed. A $5 fee is charged for the opportunity to harvest five rainbow trout; catch-and-release fishing is free. Regular admission fees ($5.50 adults, $4.50 seniors, $3.50 children ages 4 through 12) apply. For more information, call (903) 676-2277.