Texas Trout Stocking: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Texas is home to a diverse range of trout species, including rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout. These fish provide anglers with excellent fishing opportunities throughout the state. To ensure a healthy and sustainable trout population, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) conducts an annual trout stocking program.

Stocking Locations

TPWD stocks trout in over 100 lakes and rivers across Texas. The stocking locations are carefully selected to provide anglers with access to quality trout fishing while minimizing the impact on native fish populations.

Stocking Schedule

Trout stocking typically begins in November and continues through April. The stocking schedule is based on water temperatures, as trout are cold-water fish that prefer temperatures below 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Trout Species Stocked

TPWD stocks three species of trout in Texas:

• Rainbow Trout: The most common species stocked, rainbow trout are known for their beautiful coloration and acrobatic leaps.
• Brown Trout: Brown trout are typically larger than rainbow trout and have a more aggressive feeding behavior.
• Cutthroat Trout: Cutthroat trout are the rarest species stocked in Texas and are found in only a few select locations.

Stocking Rates

The number of trout stocked in each location varies depending on the size of the water body, the amount of available habitat, and the anticipated fishing pressure. TPWD typically stocks trout at a rate of 50-100 fish per acre.

Trout Regulations

Anglers are subject to specific regulations when fishing for stocked trout in Texas. These regulations include:

• Bag Limit: The daily bag limit for trout is five fish per angler.
• Size Limit: There is no minimum size limit for trout in Texas.
• Artificial Lures Only: Only artificial lures are permitted when fishing for trout in stocked locations.

Economic Impact

Trout stocking has a significant economic impact on the state of Texas. According to TPWD, trout fishing generates over $200 million in annual revenue for the state. This includes money spent on fishing licenses, equipment, travel, and lodging.

Future of Trout Stocking in Texas

TPWD is committed to continuing its trout stocking program to provide anglers with quality fishing opportunities. The department is also exploring new ways to improve the stocking program, such as using RFID tags to track trout survival and growth rates.

Table 1: Stocking Locations

Table 2: Stocking Schedule

Table 3: Trout Species Stocked

Table 4: Trout Regulations