The fun starts October 23. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will release about 1,500 rainbow trout at 20 locations as part of its cool weather trout program that brings trout to areas that cannot support them during the summer months.
The fall community trout stockings are a great place to take kids to catch their first fish. A small hook with a nightcrawler or corn under a small bobber or small simple spinners such as a panther martin or mepps is all you need to get in on the fun.
Bringing trout to cities and towns offers a “close to home” option for Iowans who might not travel to northeast Iowa to discover trout fishing. If you are new to trout fishing, experienced trout anglers will be available to help you get started at locations hosting a family-friendly fishing event. Check the Iowa DNR Community Trout Stocking Schedule website to see which lakes are having events.
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 they must limit their catch to one daily limit. The child can purchase a trout fee which will allow them to keep their own limit.
2026 Fall Community Trout Stocking Schedule
Oct. 23, Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake, Ames, Noon
Oct. 23, Lake Petocka, Bondurant, Noon
Oct. 26, Triumph Park East & West, Waukee, Noon
Oct. 26, Terra Lake, Johnston, Noon
Oct. 27, Big Lake, Council Bluffs, 3 p.m.
Oct. 27, Moorland Pond, Fort Dodge, Noon
Oct. 28, North Prairie Lake, Cedar Falls, 11:30 a.m.
Oct. 28, Heritage Pond, Dubuque, 11 a.m.
Oct. 29, Sand Lake, Marshalltown, Noon
Oct. 31, Discovery Park Pond, Muscatine, 10 a.m.
Oct. 31, Marr Park Pond, Ainsworth, 11:30 a.m.
Oct. 31, Emma Young Pond, Clinton, 10 a.m.
Nov. 2, Ottumwa Park Pond, Ottumwa, 11 a.m.
Nov. 2, Liberty Centre Pond, North Liberty, 10:30 a.m.
Nov. 2, North Ridge Park Pond, Coralville, 11:30 a.m.
Nov. 3, Noelridge Park Pond, Cedar Rapids, 9:30 a.m.
Nov. 3, Ely Pond, Ely, 11 a.m.
Nov. 4, Bacon Creek, Sioux City, 1 p.m.
Nov. 7, Stolley Pond, Spencer, Noon
Nov. 24, Blue Pit, Mason City, 11 a.m.
Find more information about trout fishing in community lakes on the DNR trout fishing webpage.