Rainbow Stockings to Continue in New Year

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THE ANNUAL TEXAS WINTER TRADITION of rainbow trout stocking returns to waterbodies across the state to kick off the holiday season. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) began stocking thousands of rainbow trout the week of Thanksgiving 2023 to give anglers a chance to catch one of these iconic fish.

It doesn’t take a lot of sophisticated fishing equipment to reel in a rainbow trout. They can be caught using simple, light tackle or hand-tied flies on a fly rod. However, anglers should keep an array of baits and lures nearby as well as ice to keep trout fresh.  Rainbow trout are an attractive, tasty fish with recipes easily foung online.

TPWD began the stocking of 343,331 rainbow trout in Texas Nov. 22, 2023, and it continues through March 1. Because rainbow trout are unable to survive in most areas of Texas after winter, anglers are encouraged to keep up to their daily bag limit of five trout. 

Exceptions exist within special trout management zones on the Guadalupe River downstream of Canyon Lake, which often remains cool enough for rainbow trout to survive year-round. This portion of the Guadalupe River is recognized as one of the top 100 trout streams in the nation and is considered the southernmost trout stream in North America.

In addition to stocking the Guadalupe River downstream of Canyon Lake, TPWD also stocks rainbow trout in the Brazos River downstream of Possum Kingdom Lake, portions of the Frio and South Llano rivers, and the Clear Fork of the Trinity River.

Although trout stockings take place at numerous locations in Texas, TPWD’s Neighborhood Fishin’ program provides a unique experience for families and new anglers to reel in a fish in and around major cities. TPWD manages 18 Neighborhood Fishin’ lakes statewide in most major urban centers, including Amarillo, Austin, the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Houston, San Angelo, San Antonio and Wichita Falls. These lakes — frequently stocked with rainbow trout during winter — offer plenty of amenities so family members of all ages can enjoy a fun and relaxing day fishing and connecting in nature. Other stocking locations include dozens of local city and county park ponds.

In addition, anglers can enjoy complementary fishing without a license in a Texas State Park from a bank, dock or pier. TPWD recommends anyone planning a trip to a park reserve a day pass in advance. Day passes can be reserved online at the TPWD website by calling (512) 389-8900.

“TPWD stocks catchable-sized fish during winter months to create unique winter angling opportunities throughout Texas,” said Carl Kittel, TPWD Rainbow Trout Program Director. “Rainbow trout love cold water and can be caught on a variety of baits and lures (worms, commercially available pastes, corn, spinners, spoons, flies and more), and are great to take home and eat. Our winter rainbow trout program has been a favorite of anglers for over forty years.”

Texas does not require a fishing license for youth under the age of 17, but adults must have a fishing license with a freshwater fishing endorsement. Funds from the sale of fishing licenses and freshwater fishing endorsements directly support efforts by TPWD to provide great fishing opportunities for current and future generations.

An angler fishing in a Community Fishing Lake or from a dock, pier or jetty within a Texas State Park may use no more than two poles. The statewide bag limit is five trout with no minimum length limit, except on parts of the Guadalupe River where special limits are in effect.

The dates and locations are subject to change due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Be sure to check the 2023-24 Trout Stocking Schedule online before you go fishing to confirm the stocking date, check fishing regulations and to find other winter trout stocking program angling tips.

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Birdsong Named New TPWD Inland Fisheries Director

TIM BIRDSONG HAS BEEN selected as Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) next Inland Fisheries Division director. Birdsong has served as interim division director since July, following the promotion of Craig Bonds to chief operating officer.

“Tim has a passion for fishing, aquatic resources stewardship, building collaborative partnerships and for TPWD,” said TPWD executive director David Yoskowitz,.

Birdsong is a 17-year veteran of TPWD, having served within the Inland Fisheries Division as deputy division director and habitat conservation branch chief. Prior to joining TPWD, Birdsong was a fisheries biologist and data program leader with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

“TPWD is an inspiring and impactful organization, and daily I’m struck with feelings of purpose and gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to this great mission,” said Birdsong. “The division is recognized nationally as a progressive leader among state fisheries programs, routinely taking risks to develop new and innovative solutions to challenges facing freshwater fisheries resources that are science-based, cost-effective, scalable and transferable.”

Birdsong’s contributions to the management and conservation of the state’s public freshwater fisheries resources have been recognized at state, national and international levels. He has garnered multiple honors, including the Conservation Award from Fly Fishers International (2021), National Fish Habitat Award (2014), Texas Parks and Wildlife Conservation Award (2015), James A. Henshall Warmwater Fisheries Award (2016), Sport Fish Restoration Outstanding Project Award (2016, 2020) and Texas Parks and Wildlife Outstanding Team Award (2020). Birdsong was also named Outstanding Texas Fisheries Worker of the Year by the Texas Chapter of the American Fisheries Society two different times during his TPWD career (2013, 2020).

—Reported by TF&G STAFF

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