ANNAPOLIS (Oct. 01, 2009) — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will stock approximately 21,500 trout into freshwaters across the state during October 2009. This total includes 20,000 rainbow trout weighing .75 - 1 pounds each and 1,500 brown trout weighing 1.25 – 1.5 pounds each. To add some real excitement for fall anglers, a small number of trophy rainbow trout averaging 5 to 7 pounds will be also stocked this year.
“Streams are looking good and we will be stocking some nice fish so anglers can get out and enjoy the great fall weather,” said Assistant Fisheries Director Don Cosden. “This is a great time to take a young person fishing. The creeks are easy to wade, the water is clear enough to see the fish and our hatchery trout are usually more than willing to cooperate.”
Although stocking dates and locations are dependent on water flow and temperature, DNR generally finds conditions are right in many areas beginning the second week of October and stocking is usually complete by the end of the month. In most years, cool water allows trout stocking in Delayed Harvest Trout Fishing Areas and locations such as the North Branch Potomac, Bear Creek, Town Creek, Blairs Valley Lake, Antietam Creek, Beaver Creek, Cunningham Falls, Rainbow Lake, Greenbrier Lake, Morgan Run, Patapsco River, Gunpowder Falls, Great Seneca, Wheatley Lake, Lake Artemesia, Greenbelt Lake, Big Elk, Deer Creek and Tuckahoe. DNR expects to stock these areas and numerous others as conditions allow.
DNR reminds anglers to clean their gear between streams or outings to prevent moving around unwanted invaders like didymo and whirling disease. Anglers can wash with dish soap or a 5% salt solution or use one of the many convenient wader wash stations.
DNR’s trout stocking information telephone line, 1-800-688-3467, will be updated weekly beginning Oct. 1 so that anglers may find out if their favorite area has been stocked. Stocked areas will also be posted online at http://www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries.
Source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR)