OHIO — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife said it scheduled the release of 85,000 rainbow trout across the Buckeye State.

The fish will be released at 90 locations beginning March 12. ODNR said the release locations were chosen to give anglers as many possible opportunities to catch the fish through March, April and May. 

What You Need To Know

  • ODNR plans to release 85,000 rainbow trout statewide

  • There are 90 locations receiving the fish

  • Some locations will feature special events on release day

  • Weather may affect some of the stocking events

Several stocking locations will feature special events on the day of the release, including youth-only fishing. During special events, there may be limited trout fishing opportunities for the public. Fishing at state park youth ponds is only available for children 15-years-old or younger for the first seven days after the trout are released. Following that week, the waters are open for anglers of all ages through the end of April. On May 1, these ponds are youth-only fishing for the rest of the year. 

Stocking events at certain locations may change because of weather.

There are several new release locations, including Stoner Pond and Starr Lake in Lucas County and Wingfoot Wildlife Area in Portage County. For a full list of release dates and locations, click here.

ODNR said while the fish are stocked statewide, each region has popular spots for anglers including: 

  • Central Ohio: Antrim Lake, Franklin Park Pond, Heritage Park Pond, Sunbury Upground Reservoir, and Delaware State Park Pond 
  • Northwest Ohio: East Harbor State Park Pond, Giertz Lake, Maumee Bay State Park Nature Center Pond, Olander Lake, Pearson Metropark Ponds, and Sleepy Hollow Park Pond 
  • Northeast Ohio: Beartown Lake, Blue Heron Preserve Pond, Rowland Nature Preserve Lake, Westlake Recreation Center Pond, and Wingfoot Wildlife Area
  • Southeast Ohio: Buckeye Park Lake, Penrod Lake, Rose Lake, St. Clairsville Reservoir, Turkey Creek Lake, and Yoctangee Park Lake
  • Southwest Ohio: Adams Lake, Caesar Creek State Park’s Youth Pond, Cowan Lake State Park’s Youth Pond, Rocky Fork State Park Beach Pond, Rush Run Wildlife Area Pond, and Sycamore State Park Pond

The daily limit is five rainbow trout per angler. To check the state's 2025-26 fishing regulations, click here.

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