Trout Stocking Program Provides Variety for Anglers

Anglers are encouraged to take advantage of special trout program

In an effort to provide unique winter fishing opportunities, The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) provides trout fishing opportunities by stocking Kansas waters with thousands of harvestable-sized trout each year. From Nov. 1-April 15, anglers can catch this non-native species at 36 locations throughout the state.

Funded by state trout permit and federal aid dollars, the KDWPT trout program stocks as many as 180,000 rainbow trout and more than 3,500 brown trout annually.

Type 1 trout waters require a trout permit ($12.50) whether anglers are fishing for trout or not, while Type 2 waters require a trout permit for anglers fishing for trout. In addition to a trout permit (where required), residents 16-74, and non-residents 16 and older, must possess a valid fishing license.

The daily creel limit is five trout and the possession limit is 15. Youth 15 and under may keep up to two trout per day without a trout permit, or up to five trout per day with a permit. After April 15, anglers can trout fish without a permit anywhere in the state, excluding Mined Land Wildlife Area Unit #30 (Cherokee County) which requires a permit year-round. Season daily creel and possession limits will still apply after the season is closed.

Consult the 2013 Fishing Regulations Summary for a list of Type 1 and Type 2 trout waters.

Local governments may have their own trout stocking programs and may require a separate permit. Anglers are encouraged to contact their local city and county recreation departments for details.

For more information on the KDWPT trout program, including stocking locations and schedules, visitwww.ksoutdoors.com and click “Fishing/Special Fishing Programs for You/Trout Fishing Program.”