Trout Stocked In City Owned Parks

[Lipripper]

The DNR will stock 400 rainbow trout each into city-owned park ponds in Fort Wayne and Kokomo in October to encourage families to experience fall fishing.

On Saturday, Oct. 15, from 9 to 11 a.m., the DNR will host the second annual trout fishing derby at Shoaff Park in Fort Wayne.

The derby is open to anglers under age 18, and participation is free. Registration will begin on site at 8 a.m. Anglers under age 18 are not required to buy a license or trout stamp.

DNR staff will be on hand to measure trout. Prizes donated by Pro Tackle Outfitters will be awarded to youth anglers who catch the largest trout.

No fishing will be allowed on Friday, Oct. 14, or on Saturday before the event.

A limited supply of fishing poles and bait will be available for families who are new to fishing to borrow.

Adult anglers will be allowed to fish while the derby is happening. Anyone 18 or older must have a valid Indiana fishing license and trout stamp to fish.

The catch limit is five trout per angler.

Shoaff Park is at 6401 St. Joe Road. The pond is near the splash pad and has open access for shore fishing. A restroom and ample parking are available nearby.

Last year's event at Shoaff Park drew nearly 100 participants.

The trout stocking in Kokomo will happen before Saturday, Oct. 22, in Highland Park, on the city's southwest side.

The trout are expected to measure 12-14 inches long and will be released upstream of a small dam on Kokomo Creek, west of Webster Street, along Stadium Drive.

This is the first year of trout stocking in Kokomo. If local interest in trout fishing is high and adequate numbers of trout are caught, DNR officials will likely organize a family fishing event at the site next year.

"We think these fishing opportunities provide a good way to reach out to families and new anglers who may want to try fishing for the first time," said Jed Pearson, DNR fisheries biologist. "Also, the trout are easy to catch and safe to eat."

For more information, call (260) 244-6805.