Rainbow Trout Return

ST. MARYS - Hundreds of good-sized rainbow trout from Castalia State Fish Hatchery near Sandusky will be stocked in Davis Lake near St. Marys on April 20.

Officials are expected to arrive with a load of fish around 11 a.m. at the the 13-acre lake located at Auglaize County Solid Waste and Recycling, 15202 St. Marys River Road, a hatchery spokesperson said.

The rainbow trout release is part of Ohio Department of Natural Resources's long-established annual state fishing advocacy program, said Division of Wildlife spokesperson Brian Plasters.

"It's tremendously popular. This is a great way to get outside, and it's a great way to fish," Plasters said Tuesday.

Anglers likely will be lining the lake when the rainbow trout, ranging between 10 and 13 inches, make their splash. The daily catch limit will be five trout per angler with no minimum size limit, according to an ODNR news release.

The program gives "anglers at this time of year a different opportunity than they would normally get in the state of Ohio," said Debra Walters, fish management supervisor for ODNR Division of Wildlife District Five.

In past years, the rainbow trout have weighed a little more than a half pound each. This species is fun to reel in, wildlife officials and fishermen have said.

They can be caught using traditional fishing methods which include spinners, small jigs and baited hooks. They even strike at food such as cheese and marshmallows that resemble the trout chow or pelletized feed the trout were fed while at the hatchery, an ODRN fish administrator said last year.

Trout are cold-water fish that do not typically survive the summer in Ohio waters.

"They don't tolerate higher water temperatures much past 70 degrees," Walters noted.

Davis Lake is open for fishing during daylight hours. Anglers 16 and older must have a valid fishing license.

ODNR plans to release roughly 80,0000 rainbow trout in 71 public lakes and ponds this spring to create fishing opportunities for anglers.

"By stocking these water areas throughout the state, anglers of all ages have the opportunity to get out and enjoy quality spring rainbow trout fishing in a family-friendly environment," the ODNR release states.

Sales of fishing licenses along with the federal Sport Fish Restoration program support operation of state fish hatcheries.

The Sport Fish Restoration program is a partnership between federal and state governments, the fishing industry, anglers and boaters, according to the release.

"When anglers purchase rods, reels, fishing tackle, fish finders, and motorboat fuel, they pay an excise tax. The federal government collects these taxes, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service administers and disburses these funds to state fish and wildlife agencies," the release states. "These funds are used to acquire habitat, produce and stock fish, conduct research and assessment surveys, provide aquatic education, and secure fishing access."

Correction:

Davis Lake is located at 15500 St Marys River Road, north of St Marys. It is located at the City of St Marys Landfill and City of St Marys Solid Waste and Recycling Department. The error was due to information provided to the newspaper.

Hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. However, extended times may be offered during peak season and good weather.