Starting today, we will be stocking thousands of rainbow trout in 170 ponds, lakes and rivers across the state.

Cold-weather-loving rainbows often go for light tackle (heavier gear in clearer waters can spook them) and respond well to baits like kernel corn, cheese balls, crickets and mealworms.

So spend some quality time outdoors, enjoy the crisp air, and catch this feisty, colorful fish for sport or food!

Neighborhood Fishin’ lakes offer urban and suburban families in major cities some of the best opportunities to catch rainbow trout this winter. There are now 19 Neighbhorhood Fishin’ lakes and ponds, including two new lakes in north and southeast Houston. These lakes are stocked with rainbow trout every two weeks and offer plenty of amenities so that family members of all ages can enjoy a fun and relaxing day fishing and connecting in nature.

Trout will also be stocked at 22 Texas State Parks throughout the state this winter. Many state parks offer excellent fishing amenities such as fishing piers and shoreline access, cleaning stations, and equipment rentals for tackle and kayaks or canoes. As a bonus,  anglers don't need a fishing license to fish within a Texas State Park.

For anglers interested in tailrace fishing, we will be stocking rainbow trout below several dams and spillways, which often have very cool water and provide excellent conditions for trout fishing. This year, TPWD will stock rainbow trout into the Canyon Tailrace on the Guadalupe River below Canyon Lake, the Lewisville Tailrace located on the Elm Fork of the Trinity River below Lake Lewisville, and the Possum Kingdom Tailrace on the Brazos River below Possum Kingdom Lake.

Other stocking locations include dozens of local city and county managed park ponds, the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center casting pond, and several rivers including the Frio, South Llano and Guadalupe rivers and the Clear Fork of the Trinity River.