Spring fever: Catch some trout

Although April 1 marks the official start date of the trout stocking season for the Decorah Trout Hatchery, many anglers were out already, catching trout from last fall’s stocking.

Stocking dates are announced only on specified streams from April through September. In October, stocking continues, but is unannounced for all streams.

The Decorah Hatchery stocks over 110,000 trout, mostly rainbow and a smaller number of brown and brook trout each year. These “catchable” size trout average about one-half pound each and are approximately 12 to 13 inches long.

Also, unannounced streams such as North Bear, South Bear, Trout River, and Coon Creek will be stocked this month.

Trout stocking schedules for your favorite announced stocking stream are available online at www.iowadnr.com or may be picked up at the Decorah Trout Hatchery office. These are proposed stocking dates and are subject to change due to stream conditions. The most up-to-date trout stocking information for all three of Iowa’s trout hatcheries at Decorah, Manchester, and Big Spring is also available by calling (563)927-5736.

Get a jump on spring and check out the trout fishing opportunities at a trout stream near you. You might catch spring fever...and a trout too!

Change at Silver Creek Public Fishing area

Stocking areas for most trout streams will remain unchanged from past years, with the exception of Silver Creek.

Anglers fishing Silver Creek this year will find a change in the public fishing access. The former private access on Sunflower Road has been closed to public fishing, however, agreements with landowners further downstream will allow angler walk-in access.

Also, walk-in access upstream of Sunflower Road access on the quarry road off Hanover Drive has been added. Please, follow all posted signs and respect private property to allow continued access to anglers in the future.