AUSTIN, Texas (November 20, 2024) – As the holiday season approaches, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is gearing up for its annual winter tradition of stocking thousands of rainbow trout in waterbodies across the state. Starting November 27, the day before Thanksgiving, TPWD will begin releasing 342,373 rainbow trout into Texas waters, continuing through March 9.

Rainbow trout fishing is a beloved winter activity in Texas, requiring only simple, light tackle or hand-tied flies on a fly rod. Anglers are encouraged to keep a variety of baits and lures on hand, as well as ice to keep their catch fresh. These attractive and tasty fish are easy to prepare, with numerous recipes available online.

“TPWD stocks catchable-sized fish during winter months to create unique winter angling opportunities throughout Texas,” said Carl Kittel, TPWD rainbow trout program director. “Rainbow trout love cold water and can be caught on a variety of baits and lures and are great to take home and eat. Our winter rainbow trout program has been a favorite of anglers for over forty years.”

Due to the warm water temperatures in most parts of Texas, rainbow trout are unable to survive after winter, so anglers are encouraged to keep up to their daily bag limit of five trout. However, special trout management zones on the Guadalupe River downstream of Canyon Lake often remain cool enough for trout to survive year-round. This area is recognized as one of the top 100 trout streams in the nation and is considered the southernmost trout stream in North America.

In addition to the Guadalupe River, TPWD stocks rainbow trout in the Brazos River downstream of Possum Kingdom Lake, portions of the Frio and South Llano rivers, and the Clear Fork of the Trinity River. TPWD’s Neighborhood Fishin’ program also provides a unique experience for families and new anglers, with 18 lakes in major urban centers like Amarillo, Austin, the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Houston, San Angelo, San Antonio, and Wichita Falls.

Anglers can enjoy complementary fishing without a license in Texas state parks from a bank, dock, or pier. TPWD recommends reserving a day pass in advance, especially during busy times like weekends and holidays. Day passes can be reserved online through the TPWD website or by calling (512) 389-8900.

While youth under the age of 17 do not require a fishing license, adults must have a fishing license with a freshwater fishing endorsement. Funds from these licenses directly support TPWD’s efforts to provide excellent fishing opportunities for current and future generations.

Anglers fishing in a Community Fishing Lake or from a dock, pier, or jetty within a Texas State Park may use no more than two poles. The statewide bag limit is five trout with no minimum length limit, except in parts of the Guadalupe River where special limits apply.

For the latest information on stocking dates, fishing regulations, and winter trout stocking program tips, be sure to check the 2024-25 Trout Stocking Schedule online before heading out.