DNR Announces Spring Trout Stocking Schedule

Annapolis, Md. (February 3, 2011) — This month, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will begin stocking the first of approximately 327,000 rainbow and brown trout into freshwaters across the State for trout fishing enthusiasts.

“Our pre-season stocking usually starts in early February but too much ice and snow can delay things as we saw last year,” says DNR’s Assistant Fisheries Director Don Cosden. “So, watch our website or call 1-800-688-3467 for updates. I’m already getting excited about the upcoming season and the chance to catch some trout as large as seven or eight pounds.”

The stocking schedule is now online at www.dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/stocking and is also available at DNR Regional Service Centers and license vendors. DNR encourages anglers to visit the maps of stocked and special managed streams for directions and more information on trout fishing locations. Pre-season stocking usually starts in the eastern part of the State followed by the western region as the weather warms up.

In order to protect our fish populations and keep their habitat healthy, DNR reminds anglers to clean and dry their gear between streams and outings. Field and laboratory research has confirmed that the felt used for waders is an ideal medium for collecting and transporting microscopic organisms. The discovery of the invasive algae didymo on the lower Savage River shows how easily unwanted organisms can be moved between watersheds and demonstrates that anglers must be more diligent than ever. A good scrubbing with dish soap or a 5 percent salt solution is an easy way to prevent the spread of invaders such as didymo and whirling disease. Convenient wader wash stations are available at several key wild trout areas including the Gunpowder River, Savage River, the North Branch of the Potomac (Barnum area), and Big Hunting Creek.

Anglers need to be aware that a proposed Maryland regulation to prohibit felt soles in all waters is scheduled to become effective in March 2011. DNR welcomes public comment on the proposal through February 28 via email to fisheriespubliccomment@dnr.state.md.us or by mail to: Maryland Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Service, ATTN: Felt-Soled Wader Ban Regulation, 580 Taylor Ave., B-2, Annapolis, MD 21401.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages nearly one-half million acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 11 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov