The Iowa DNR Fisheries Bureau has been involved in cool weather urban trout stocking continuously since 1981. The urban lakes trout program is an effort to introduce trout fishing to more anglers across the state, and has recently been expanded to include more urban areas.

Currently, the urban trout program includes special fisheries within close proximity to Des Moines, Davenport, Dubuque, Cedar Falls, Mason City, Sioux City, and Council Bluffs. At each site, DNR staff will be on hand during promotional events planned in conjunction with most of these stockings. The urban winter trout stockings will give anglers a “close to home” way to discover trout fishing and ice fishing. Learn more about the different trout species in Iowa.

Trout are ideal for small urban lakes because they are fairly easy to catch once stocked. Promotions associated with these trout stockings focus on fishing as a family form of outdoor recreation and inform anglers about Iowa’s trout program. These lakes received 1,500 rainbow trout in October/November and will receive additional trout in January and March.

The trout are being transported from Big Spring hatchery near Elkader. Adult anglers who want to fish for trout are required to purchase the trout privilege for $11 in addition to an Iowa fishing license. The daily bag limit for trout is five fish per day. Kids under the age of 16 do not need a fishing license and can keep trout as part of their parents 5 fish daily limit. Another option for kids under 16 is to purchase their own trout privilege, which allows them to keep their own daily limit of 5 trout. Check out the complete set of Iowa Fishing Regulations.

The dates listed below are the planned stocking dates, but delivery of fish from the Big Spring hatchery is dependent upon weather conditions. If weather conditions on the date of planned stocking are not safe for driving, delivery of the fish will be postponed. The January stocking date is based upon the assumption of there being safe ice for anglers at that time. If those conditions are not available, delivery may be postponed. Similarly, the March stocking is planned for after ice-out, so if ice remains present at certain lakes, delivery may be postponed.