Grab your fishing gear and bring your friends and family to a nearby Get Out and Fish! pond for the opportunity to catch a fish you don’t land every day. Today, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries began stocking thirteen water bodies with 4,400 pounds of adult-size rainbow trout, ranging from 1 to 2 pounds, making a perfect stringer for dinner.

Now is the only time of year our Get Out and Fish! sites will be stocked with rainbow trout, so do not miss this unique opportunity to land one. Rainbow trout are native to rivers and lakes in western North America; yet, due to their popularity, these fish have been introduced throughout the United States through stocking efforts. When water temperatures are cool during winter months, our ponds and lakes can support the cold-water fish.  

Anglers 16 and older must possess a Louisiana fishing license when fishing in any Louisiana public waters. Licenses are available for purchase online at https://la-web.s3licensing.com/. By purchasing a fishing license, Louisiana receives matching funds from the Sport Fish Restoration Program for public fishing and boating access, fishing programs and education and fisheries management.

For additional stocking information, including specific locations and the stocking schedule follow us on Facebook @ldwfgetoutandfish or visit our program website. 

Although rainbow trout are not a native species to Louisiana, they are a fun and exciting fish to catch. LDWF takes advantage of the cooler water temperatures of winter to stock our ponds, as rainbow trout will not survive the warmer water temperatures of spring and summer here in Louisiana.

Get Out and Fish! is hosted in conjunction with the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation. The LWFF was formed to provide a means for individuals and corporations to become partners with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission in the challenge of conserving Louisiana’s wildlife and fish resources.

For more information, contact Megan MacMenamin at mmacmenamin@wlf.la.gov or 225-765-2375.