The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will release rainbow trout in nine locations across Iowa this winter in areas that would not support them during warmer months.
Winter trout stockings are a great place to take kids to catch their first fish. A family-friendly event is paired with some stockings to help anglers have success and fun while fishing.
The popular program is supported by the sales of the trout fee. Anglers need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. The daily limit is five trout per licensed angler with a possession limit of 10.
Children age 15 or younger can fish for trout with a properly licensed adult, but together, they can only keep one daily limit. Children can pay the trout fee, allowing them to keep their own daily limit.
2026 Winter Community Trout Stocking Schedule
- Jan. 10, Blue Pit, Mason City, at 11 a.m.
- Jan. 22, Bacon Creek Lake, Sioux City, at 1 p.m.
- Jan. 23, Big Lake, Council Bluffs, at 3 p.m.
- Jan. 23, Moorland Pond, Fort Dodge, at Noon
- Feb. 7, Scharnberg Pond, Spencer, at Noon
Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake (Ames), Lake Petocka (Bondurant), and Triumph Park West and Triumph Park East (Waukee) will also be stocked this winter. These stocking dates will not be announced until ice conditions are suitable.
Winter trout stocking events are dependent on favorable weather and ice conditions. Check the DNR Trout Fishing website at www.iowadnr.gov/troutstocking for possible changes to the schedule.
Trout will be stocked in several other locations later this spring. Dates and locations will be announced in February.