Jeff Warren: Trout stockings not stuffed by Santa Claus' elves
Posted On: Friday, Dec. 25 2009 05:24 AM
When most people think about trout fishing, a swift running Rocky Mountain stream and a fly rod come to mind.
States such as Colorado, Idaho, and Montana are known for great trout fishing and angles come from all over the world to try their luck.
Entire industries are built around lodging and guide services as fishermen shell out big bucks to pursue the elusive rainbow, brown, and brook trout.
Trout thrive in clear, cold water.
They can't tolerate the summer water temperatures in most southern states including Texas.
There are some exceptions to this rule and I've caught good numbers of large trout in the White River in northern Arkansas in the ice cold water just below Lake Norfork during summer months.
Trout are extremely fun to catch offering pounds of fight in just a few ounces of body weight and are also some of the most delicious fish you'll ever taste.
Did you know that winter is prime time for trout right here in Central Texas? Thanks to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Texans don't have to travel out of state to enjoy some fantastic trout fishing.
This winter Texas Parks and Wildlife will stock over 275,000 trout in various ponds, lakes, and streams throughout the state.
Several of these stocking locations are nearby and provide some great fishing during the cold months of December through February.
To see the stocking locations and planned dates simply go to the Texas Parks and Wildlife website at www.tpwd.state.tx.us and click the link to the fishing section and follow the links to the stocking programs and then to trout stocking.
The closest location to our home base in Central Texas is Nolan Creek in Belton.
The stocking dates there December 15th and February 10th.
Many other locations are within easy driving distance including South Llano River State Park and Blue Hole Park in Georgetown.
Anglers under age 17 don't need a fishing license to pursue the wily trout and anglers 17 and older simply need a freshwater fishing license to fish for trout.
The daily bag limit is five fish per angler and there are no minimum lengths in most waters.
There are some specific regulations governing the trout fishery on the Guadalupe River below Canyon Lake.
If you plan to fish this area, check the regulations in the Texas Parks and Wildlife Outdoor Annual carefully for approved baits, tackle, and legal size and bag limits.
If you prefer catch and release, I recommend crimping the barbs down on your hooks with a pair of long nose pliers or using barbless hooks.
Trout have a high mortality rate when caught on barbed hooks.
Popular baits include small spoons and spinners such as Super Dupers and Rooster Tails.
Some folks use canned corn and simply run five or six kernels onto a small size 6 or 8 hook rigged below a split shot and bobber.
Fly fishing is a fun way to tackle these small fighters and some recommended patterns are Wooly Buggers and small Pistol Petes in dark colors.
Berkely makes fake Salmon Eggs and Trout Bites that also work very well.
Lightweight spinning or fly tackle is all that you need to have a fun day with the kids at the creek.