Trout fishing returns to nature preserve

Just in time for the holiday season, rainbow trout arrives at waterbodies across the state for the annual Texas winter tradition of trout fishing. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) will begin stocking thousands of rainbow trout Nov. 26, the day before Thanksgiving.

Some 1,600 fish will be stocked at Bridge Bob Pond at the Mineola Nature Preserve on Saturday, Feb. 7.

It doesn’t take a lot of sophisticated fishing equipment to reel in a rainbow trout. They can be caught using simple, light tackle or hand-tied flies on a fly rod. However, anglers should keep an array of baits and lures nearby as well as ice to keep trout fresh. Rainbow trout are an attractive, tasty fish, and anglers can easily find recipes online.

“TPWD is proud to continue the tradition of bringing rainbow trout to waters across Texas,” said Neil Pugliese, TPWD rainbow trout program director. “Our annual stocking program is designed to make fishing accessible and enjoyable for everyone from seasoned anglers to families casting a line for the very first time. It’s about more than fishing; it’s about creating opportunities to connect with nature and build lasting memories.”

TPWD plans to stock 335,048 rainbow trout in Texas from Nov. 26 to March 6. Because rainbow trout are unable to survive in most areas of Texas after winter due to the warm water temperatures, anglers are encouraged to keep up to their daily bag limit of five trout.

Exceptions exist within special trout management zones on the Guadalupe River downstream of Canyon Lake, which often remains cool enough for rainbow trout to survive year-round.

In addition to stocking the Guadalupe River downstream of Canyon Lake, TPWD also stocks rainbow trout in the Brazos River downstream of Possum Kingdom Lake, portions of the Frio and South Llano rivers and in the Clear Fork of the Trinity River.

Other stocking locations include dozens of local city- and county-managed park ponds and the newly renovated ponds at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center.

In addition, anglers can enjoy complementary fishing without a license in a Texas state park from a bank, dock or pier. TPWD recommends anyone planning a trip to a state park reserves a day pass in advance especially during busy times like weekends and holidays. Day passes can be reserved online though the TPWD website or over the phone by calling (512) 389-8900.

Texas does not require a fishing license for youth under age 17, but adults must have a fishing license with a freshwater fishing endorsement. Funds from the sale of fishing licenses and freshwater fishing endorsements directly support efforts by TPWD to provide great fishing opportunities for current and future generations.

An angler fishing in a community fishing lake or from a dock, pier or jetty within a Texas State Park may use no more than two poles. The statewide bag limit is five trout with no minimum length limit, except on parts of the Guadalupe River which has special limits.

Dates and locations are subject to change due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Check the 2025-26 Trout Stocking Schedule online before going fishing to confirm.