Ohio Trout Stocking Schedule: Lakes, Dates and License Rules

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Complete Ohio spring trout guide · 2026

Find the Stocking Date, Check Event Access and Be Ready Before the Trout Truck Arrives

Ohio’s spring rainbow trout program brings catchable fish to public lakes and ponds across every region of the state. The best trip, however, starts with more than finding a date.

This guide includes the complete published 2026 schedule, searchable lake and county filters, fishing-license rules, state park youth-pond restrictions, inland trout limits and practical steps for planning a successful outing.

93 stocking locations March 11–May 16, 2026 Special angler events Youth-only pond rules Five-trout inland limit
Search the complete schedule Check license rules
MAR First releases
APR Peak stocking
MAY Final events
Dates may change because of weather, water or access conditions
Quick answer

When and Where Were Rainbow Trout Stocked in Ohio in 2026?

Ohio scheduled more than 80,000 catchable rainbow trout for release at 93 public lakes and ponds between March 11 and May 16, 2026.

The season began at Barnesville Reservoir No. 4 and St. Clairsville Reservoir on March 11. Most releases occurred during late March and April, and the final scheduled release was at the Ohio & Erie Canal in Cuyahoga County on May 16.

Stocking dates are planning dates—not guaranteed fishing appointments. ODNR can postpone or modify a release because of ice, unsafe water, weather, hatchery operations, access problems or local event needs.

A past stocking date also does not guarantee that trout remain in the lake. The stocked rainbow trout are intended to provide high angler success and harvest, and the best opportunity is commonly during the first several days to two weeks after release.

Use the schedule correctly: verify the date on ODNR’s live stocking page, check whether a special event limits access, open your fishing license and read the exact property rules before traveling.
Scheduled locations 93 public waters
Approximate program size More than 80,000 trout
Stocked trout size Approximately 10–13 inches
Inland daily limit Five trout per angler
2026 release window

Ohio Trout Stocking Schedule at a Glance

March 11–31

The season opened in southeast Ohio and quickly expanded into central, southwest and northeast locations.

Notable waters: Adams Lake, Delaware State Park Pond, Blue Rock Lake, Boettler Park Pond, Cowan Lake Youth Pond and Rowland Nature Preserve Lake.

April 1–25

April contained the largest concentration of stockings and special family events.

Notable waters: Antrim Lake, Rose Lake, Pearson Metropark Ponds, Caesar Creek Youth Pond, Olander Lake and Turkey Creek Lake.

May 2–16

Most May releases included special angler events and local access instructions.

Notable waters: Eyman Park, Sunbury Upground Reservoir No. 2, Tuscora Park Pond, Walker Road Pond and the Ohio & Erie Canal.

Schedule status warning: a published date can be postponed. Check the live ODNR trout stocking page again on the evening before the trip and before leaving home.
Search by lake, county, date or event

Complete 2026 Ohio Rainbow Trout Stocking Schedule

Use the search box or month buttons to narrow the table. “Special event” means public fishing may be limited during event hours. “Youth pond” has additional age-based access rules.

Showing all 93 stocking locations.

Stocking location County Scheduled release date Event or access note
Barnesville Reservoir No. 4 Belmont March 11, 2026 Standard release
St. Clairsville Reservoir Belmont March 11, 2026 Standard release
Rio Grande Reservoir Gallia March 12, 2026 Standard release
Englewood North Park Pond Montgomery March 12, 2026 Standard release
Foundation Park Knox March 13, 2026 Standard release
Heritage Park – Palm Pond Franklin March 13, 2026 Standard release
Quarry Park Marion March 13, 2026 Standard release
Caldwell Lake Ross March 13, 2026 Standard release
Adams Lake Adams March 13, 2026 Standard release
Blue Limestone Park Pond Delaware March 18, 2026 Standard release
Mt. Gilead Lake Morrow March 18, 2026 Standard release
Lamping Homestead Lake Monroe March 18, 2026 Standard release
Reserves Pond Butler March 18, 2026 Standard release
Harry Wolfe Park Union March 19, 2026 Standard release
Buckeye Park Lake Washington March 19, 2026 Standard release
Jesse Owens Wildlife Area Pond MB165 Morgan March 19, 2026 Standard release
Delaware State Park Pond Delaware March 20, 2026 Standard release
Pattison Park Pond Clermont March 20, 2026 Standard release
Restoration Park Pond Clark March 20, 2026 New for 2026
Franklin Park Pond Franklin March 23 & April 13, 2026 Two releases
Goodale Park Pond Franklin March 23 & April 13, 2026 Two releases
Krumm Park Pond Franklin March 23 & April 13, 2026 Two releases
Linden Park Pond Franklin March 23 & April 13, 2026 Two releases
Schiller Park Pond Franklin March 23 & April 13, 2026 Two releases
Westgate Park Pond Franklin March 23 & April 13, 2026 Two releases
Whetstone Park Pond Franklin March 23 & April 13, 2026 Two releases
Blue Rock Lake Muskingum March 25, 2026 Standard release
Jackson Park Lake Guernsey March 25, 2026 Standard release
Tecumseh Lake Perry March 25, 2026 Standard release
Boettler Park Pond Summit March 26, 2026 New for 2026
Monument Park Pond Stark March 26, 2026 Standard release
Stadium Park Pond Stark March 26, 2026 Standard release
Rush Run Wildlife Area Pond Preble March 26, 2026 Standard release
Cenci Park Lake Fairfield March 27, 2026 Standard release
Jefferson Lake Jefferson March 27, 2026 Standard release
Petros Lake Stark March 27, 2026 Standard release
Perry County Gun Club Lake Perry March 27, 2026 Check property access
Cowan Lake State Park Youth Pond Clinton March 28, 2026 Special event Youth pond
Forest Hill Pond Cuyahoga March 30, 2026 Standard release
Shadow Lake Cuyahoga March 30, 2026 Standard release
Westlake Recreation Center Pond Cuyahoga March 30, 2026 Standard release
Rowland Nature Preserve Lake Lorain March 31, 2026 Standard release
Veteran’s Park Pond Lake March 31, 2026 Standard release
Beartown Lake – Lower Geauga April 1, 2026 Standard release
Blue Heron Preserve Pond Geauga April 1, 2026 Standard release
East Palestine Park Pond Columbiana April 2, 2026 New for 2026
Wingfoot Wildlife Area Pond Portage April 2, 2026 Standard release
Penrod Lake Athens April 2, 2026 Standard release
Antrim Lake Franklin April 3, 2026 Special event
Rose Lake Hocking April 3, 2026 Special event
Tawawa Lake Shelby April 3, 2026 Standard release
Mallard Lake Lucas April 4, 2026 Special event
Pearson Metropark Ponds Lucas April 4, 2026 Special event
Yoctangee Park Lake Ross April 4, 2026 Special event
Pike Lake Pike April 6, 2026 Special event
Lamberjack Lake Seneca April 8, 2026 Standard release
Schoonover Lake Allen April 8, 2026 Standard release
Sycamore State Park Pond – Large Montgomery April 8, 2026 Standard release
Sycamore State Park Pond – Small Montgomery April 8, 2026 Standard release
Davis Lake Auglaize April 9, 2026 Standard release
Taylorsville Poplar Creek Pond Montgomery April 9, 2026 Standard release
Turtle Pond at Countryside Park Montgomery April 9, 2026 New for 2026
Swanton Waterworks Reservoir Lucas April 10, 2026 Standard release
Williams Park Pond Sandusky April 10, 2026 Standard release
Stoner Pond Lucas April 11, 2026 Special event
Kountry Resort Campground Pond Meigs April 11, 2026 Special event Check property access
Caesar Creek State Park Youth Pond Warren April 11, 2026 Special event Youth pond
Crystal Lake Preble April 11, 2026 Special event
Rocky Fork State Park South Beach Pond Highland April 11, 2026 Special event Youth pond
Al Lease Park Pond Portage April 17, 2026 New for 2026
Kiwanis Recreation Park Pond Lake April 17, 2026 Standard release
Home of the Brave Park Pond Hamilton April 23, 2026 Standard release
Meadow Ridge Metro Park – Mirror Pond Butler April 23, 2026 New for 2026
Maumee Bay State Park Nature Center Pond Lucas April 24, 2026 Special event
Ashley Upground Reservoir Delaware April 25, 2026 Special event
Deer Run – Symmes Township Pond Hamilton April 25, 2026 Special event
Infirmary Mound Park – Mirror Lake Licking April 25, 2026 Special event
East Harbor State Park Pond Ottawa April 25, 2026 Special event
Malabar Farm State Park Inn Pond Richland April 25, 2026 Standard release
Olander Lake Lucas April 25, 2026 Special event
Sleepy Hollow Park Pond Lucas April 25, 2026 Special event
Ohio Canal Lock No. 4 at St. Helena Heritage Park Stark April 25, 2026 Special event
Turkey Creek Lake Scioto April 25, 2026 Special event
Harmony Lake at Liberty Park Highland April 25, 2026 Special event
Eyman Park Fayette May 2, 2026 Special event
Sunbury Upground Reservoir No. 2 Delaware May 2, 2026 Special event
Cross Roads Industrial Ponds Crawford May 2, 2026 Special event
Giertz Lake Hancock May 2, 2026 Special event
Starr Lake Lucas May 2, 2026 Special event
Tuscora Park Pond Tuscarawas May 2, 2026 Special event
Walker Road Pond Lorain May 2, 2026 Special event
Mounts Park Pond – Small Warren May 9, 2026 Special event
Ohio & Erie Canal Cuyahoga May 16, 2026 Special event
Schedule interpretation: the table provides scheduled release dates, not exact stocking times. Do not follow or interfere with hatchery vehicles, enter closed work areas or assume fishing begins immediately during a special event.
Expanded opportunities

New Ohio Trout Stocking Locations for 2026

New for 2026

Restoration Park Pond

Clark County
Scheduled March 20.

New for 2026

Boettler Park Pond

Summit County
Scheduled March 26.

New for 2026

East Palestine Park Pond

Columbiana County
Scheduled April 2.

New for 2026

Turtle Pond at Countryside Park

Montgomery County
Scheduled April 9.

New for 2026

Al Lease Park Pond

Portage County
Scheduled April 17.

New for 2026

Meadow Ridge Metro Park – Mirror Pond

Butler County
Scheduled April 23.

Choose a practical location

Popular Ohio Trout Stocking Lakes and Ponds by Region

📍

Central Ohio

Antrim Lake, Ashley Upground Reservoir, Delaware State Park Pond, Franklin Park Pond and Schiller Park Pond.

🧭

Northwest Ohio

Malabar Farm Inn Pond, Maumee Bay Nature Center Pond, Olander Lake, Pearson Metropark Ponds and Sleepy Hollow Park Pond.

🌲

Northeast Ohio

Blue Heron Preserve Pond, Rowland Nature Preserve Lake, Tuscora Park Pond, Westlake Recreation Center Pond and Wingfoot Wildlife Area Pond.

⛰️

Southeast Ohio

Buckeye Park Lake, Penrod Lake, St. Clairsville Reservoir, Turkey Creek Lake and Yoctangee Park Lake.

🎣

Southwest Ohio

Adams Lake, Caesar Creek Youth Pond, Englewood North Park Pond, Rocky Fork South Beach Pond and Rush Run Wildlife Area Pond.

Choose for access—not only distance: compare parking, shoreline space, restrooms, accessible fishing areas, event restrictions and opening hours before selecting the closest pond.
A stocking date may not be open fishing

How Special Angler Events Affect Public Fishing

Some locations host youth fishing events, family programs or organized angler activities on the scheduled release date. During these programs, public fishing may be temporarily limited.

Before the event
  • Open the local park or city event page
  • Check registration requirements
  • Confirm eligible ages
  • Check the public opening time
  • Confirm parking and check-in location
At the event
  • Follow staff and volunteer instructions
  • Use only the assigned fishing area
  • Do not enter the stocking work zone
  • Track the trout retained by each angler
  • Observe local event-end times
Do not assume “YES” means everyone can fish at sunrise: some events reserve the water for children or registered participants until a stated time.
Eyman Park example: the local event information indicated youth-only fishing until 2 p.m. on the May 2 stocking date. Similar restrictions can differ by location.
Special state park pond rule

Ohio State Park Youth Trout Pond Rules

First seven days

Youth age 15 and younger

Fishing at a designated state park youth pond is limited to youth age 15 and younger for the first seven days after trout are released.

After the first week

All ages through April 30

After the seven-day youth period, the designated ponds are opened to anglers of all ages through the end of April.

Beginning May 1

Return to youth-only fishing

On May 1, these state park ponds return to youth-only fishing for the remainder of the year.

Designated youth ponds in the 2026 schedule

Cowan Lake State Park Youth Pond

Stocked March 28, 2026

First seven days: youth age 15 and younger. All ages may fish after that period through April 30.

Caesar Creek State Park Youth Pond

Stocked April 11, 2026

First seven days: youth age 15 and younger. All ages may fish after that period through April 30.

Rocky Fork South Beach Pond

Stocked April 11, 2026

First seven days: youth age 15 and younger. All ages may fish after that period through April 30.

Adult-assistance caution: an adult may help a child with safety, baiting or fish handling, but should not take over casting and retrieving in a way that turns the adult into the angler.
Check every person who may fish

Ohio Fishing License Rules for Stocked Trout Lakes

1

Is the angler younger than 16?

A person younger than 16 does not need to purchase an Ohio fishing license. Trout limits, property rules and youth-event restrictions still apply.

Age exemption
2

Is the angler age 16 or older?

A valid Ohio resident or nonresident fishing license is generally required at the public stocking locations.

License required
3

Does another Ohio exemption apply?

Military, approved free-license and other narrow statutory provisions must be verified individually.

Verify facts
4

Can the license be displayed?

Mobile proof is accepted, but the actual active license must be accessible when requested.

Open it now
5

Is the property privately operated?

A scheduled public stocking does not automatically remove an access fee, event registration or property-use requirement.

Check access
1D

Resident one-day

2026–27 booklet price: $14.00

Useful for a resident planning one trout outing.

365

Resident one-year

2026–27 booklet price: $25.00

Valid for 365 days from purchase.

📱

Mobile license

A license may be displayed on a mobile device. Save accessible offline proof and charge the device.

Open official Ohio license information
Match the limit to the exact water

Ohio Trout Daily Limits and Important Exceptions

Water or trout category 2026–27 daily limit Minimum size Important note
Most inland stocked lakes and ponds 5 trout None under the statewide table Count trout singly or in combination
Clear Creek listed section 2 trout None Site-specific stream section
Clear Fork of the Mohican River in Ashland County 2 trout None Site-specific rule
Mad River and tributaries 2 trout 12 inches Different from stocked-lake rule
Clear Fork of the Mohican River in Richland County 2 trout 12 inches Different from Ashland County section
Lake Erie and entire Lake Erie tributaries Seasonal 2, 5 or 2 trout and salmon combined 12 inches Use the Lake Erie date table
Cold Creek upstream of State Route 2 5 trout and salmon combined None Special Lake Erie district exception
For the spring stocking table on this page: the normal inland-lake limit is five trout per angler unless the property, event or a newer official notice states otherwise.
One daily limit means one daily limit: changing lakes does not allow an angler to take another five stocked trout during the same day.
Plan in the correct order

How to Plan an Ohio Trout Stocking Trip

  1. Choose the lake and scheduled date.
    Use the searchable table to identify a realistic location, county and release date.
  2. Open the live ODNR schedule.
    Confirm that the release was not postponed, changed or marked with a new access notice.
  3. Check special-event status.
    Contact the local park or event organizer when the schedule shows a special angler event.
  4. Verify youth-pond eligibility.
    Calculate the first seven days after stocking and check whether the pond is youth-only.
  5. Open every required fishing license.
    Confirm the angler’s name, product and expiration date.
  6. Read the property page and map.
    Identify parking, shoreline access, opening hours, accessible piers and restricted areas.
  7. Prepare the inland trout limit.
    Carry a catch counter or use a phone note so each angler’s retained trout remain separate.
  8. Recheck weather and water.
    Cold rain, high wind, flooding, ice or unsafe access can affect both stocking and fishing.
  9. Arrive without blocking operations.
    Keep vehicles and fishing gear away from hatchery trucks, ramps, staff and release areas.
Five-screen phone folder: save the license, live stocking page, property map, event notice and weather forecast together.
A release date is not the only good day

When Is the Best Time to Fish After Trout Are Stocked?

0–1

Release day

Fish may remain concentrated near the release area, but event restrictions and large crowds can limit access.

2–4

Next few days

Often a strong balance between available fish and reduced stocking-day congestion.

5–14

First two weeks

Trout spread into deeper edges, shade, inflows and other suitable habitat while many fish remain available.

14+

Later trips

Fewer fish may remain, but lower fishing pressure and overlooked areas can still produce catches.

Warm-water reality: stocked rainbow trout prefer cool water and often do not survive Ohio’s warming late-spring conditions. Fish early in the stocking period rather than expecting a summer fishery.
Avoid the crowd without missing the fish: consider the first weekday morning after a weekend event or the second evening after a standard release.
Simple gear works well

Ohio Stocked Trout Bait, Tackle and Practical Tips

🎣

Basic rod setup

  • Light or ultralight spinning rod
  • Small reel with smooth drag
  • Light monofilament or fluorocarbon line
  • Small hooks, swivels and split shot
  • Compact landing net
🪱

Common bait choices

  • Small pieces of nightcrawler
  • Salmon eggs
  • Prepared trout bait
  • Small live minnows where lawful
  • Waxworms or other small natural bait
✨

Small artificial lures

  • Inline spinners
  • Small spoons
  • Tiny crankbaits
  • Small jigs
  • Flies below a casting float
📍

Where to start

  • Near the release area
  • Wind-blown shorelines
  • Shade and deeper banks
  • Inlets or gentle current
  • Areas with visible cruising fish
🌤️

When to fish

  • Cool morning periods
  • Cloudy days
  • Before strong afternoon wind
  • After event crowds leave
  • During stable weather
🧰

Do not forget

  • Fishing license
  • Pliers and line cutters
  • Catch counter
  • Cooler and ice
  • Trash and used-line container

Practical stocked-trout insider tips

Move away from the largest crowd

Trout can spread along the bank soon after release. An open shoreline 50–100 yards from the truck area may offer more casting room.

Change depth before changing bait

Use a lighter or heavier split shot, shorter leader or different float depth before replacing a productive bait.

Use smaller tackle in clear water

Light line and small hooks can produce more bites when fish become cautious after heavy pressure.

Track each angler separately

Give every person a separate click counter, stringer position or labeled cooler bag.

Prepare two simple rigs

Keep one rod ready for bait under a float and another ready for a small spinner or spoon.

Leave room for families

Stocking events are intended to create accessible fishing opportunities. Avoid casting across children or occupying several shoreline spaces.

Count and preserve the catch

How to Handle, Count and Store Stocked Trout

  1. Identify the fish.
    Confirm that the catch is a rainbow trout rather than another stocked or protected species.
  2. Update the daily count immediately.
    Do not wait until several fish have been placed on a stringer or in a shared cooler.
  3. Keep each angler’s fish identifiable.
    Use separate bags, tags, stringer positions or cooler compartments.
  4. Release unwanted trout quickly.
    Wet your hands, minimize squeezing and avoid keeping the fish out of water for an extended photo session.
  5. Place retained fish on ice.
    Stocked trout deteriorate quickly in warm spring weather.
  6. Keep fish whole while fishing.
    Ohio generally requires fish to remain whole while fishing, wading, aboard or unloading from a boat where a license is required.
  7. Do not sell the catch.
    Fish taken from waters where an Ohio fishing license is required generally cannot be bought, sold, traded or bartered.
Limit mistake: releasing a trout after placing it on a stringer or in a livewell may not erase it from the angler’s daily take under applicable possession rules. Decide promptly whether to retain the fish.
Verify changes before traveling

Ohio Division of Wildlife Trout Stocking Help

Ohio Division of Wildlife

General information:
1-800-WILDLIFE
1-800-945-3543
Columbus:
614-265-6300
Email:
wildinfo@dnr.ohio.gov
Central office:
2045 Morse Road, Building G
Columbus, OH 43229
Report a wildlife violation:
1-800-POACHER
1-800-762-2437
Check live trout stocking dates
Useful call script: “I plan to fish at [exact lake] on [date]. The stocking schedule shows [standard release, special event or youth pond]. Has the release occurred, and when is the general public permitted to fish?”
Primary verification links

Official Ohio Trout Stocking Resources

Live Ohio rainbow trout stocking schedule

Why use it: this is the official location-and-date list and may show schedule changes, new sites and event notes.

After opening: search the lake name, verify the release date and check whether the location has a special angler event.

Open the official trout stocking schedule

2026–27 Ohio Fishing Regulations

Why use it: the official booklet contains fishing-license rules, statewide trout limits, Lake Erie regulations and site-specific trout exceptions.

After opening: review the license pages, statewide trout table and any result for the exact waterbody.

Open the official 2026–27 fishing regulations

Ohio fishing license information

Why use it: verify resident and nonresident products, age rules, exemptions, official purchase methods and license-agent locations.

After opening: purchase the correct product and open the issued license before traveling.

Review official Ohio fishing license information

Ohio fish stocking records

Why use it: search historical and current stocking records by waterbody and species.

After opening: select the waterbody and review the stocking year, species and recorded releases.

Search official fish stocking records

Ohio fish hatcheries

Why use it: learn how Ohio raises catchable rainbow trout and other sport fish for public-water stocking.

After opening: review trout production and official hatchery locations.

Learn about Ohio fish hatcheries

Current Ohio fishing regulations page

Why use it: ODNR may publish updates or emergency changes after the annual booklet is printed.

After opening: look for a newer regulation PDF or temporary fishing notice.

Check current Ohio fishing regulations
Questions Ohio trout anglers ask

Ohio Trout Stocking Schedule FAQs

When did Ohio stock rainbow trout in 2026?

Ohio’s scheduled spring rainbow trout releases ran from March 11 through May 16, 2026. Most stockings occurred during late March and April.

How many Ohio locations received trout in 2026?

The 2026 schedule included 93 public lakes and ponds across Ohio.

How many rainbow trout does Ohio stock each spring?

Ohio planned to release more than 80,000 catchable rainbow trout during the 2026 spring program.

Can an Ohio trout stocking date change?

Yes. Weather, ice, water conditions, access, hatchery operations or event needs can change a scheduled release. Check the live ODNR page before traveling.

Does the stocking schedule show the exact release time?

No. The schedule lists the planned date but generally does not guarantee an exact public release time.

Do I need an Ohio fishing license to catch stocked trout?

Most anglers age 16 or older need a valid Ohio fishing license to fish the public stocking locations unless a specific exemption applies.

What is Ohio’s daily limit for stocked rainbow trout?

The statewide inland daily limit is five trout per angler, singly or in combination, unless a site-specific or newer official rule applies.

Is there a minimum size for trout in Ohio stocked lakes?

The statewide inland table does not list a minimum size for trout. Certain streams and Lake Erie waters have separate minimum-size rules.

Can adults fish a state park youth trout pond?

At designated youth ponds, the first seven days after stocking are limited to youth age 15 and younger. After that period, all ages may fish through April 30. The ponds return to youth-only fishing on May 1.

What does “special angler event” mean on the schedule?

It means an organized youth, family or community fishing event is planned on the release date. Public fishing may be limited during event hours, so check the local event page.

What is the best time to fish after trout are stocked?

The first few days through approximately two weeks after release commonly provide the best opportunity. Release day can be productive but may also be crowded or restricted by an event.

How large are Ohio’s stocked rainbow trout?

Ohio’s spring-stocked rainbow trout generally measure approximately 10 to 13 inches when released.

Do stocked rainbow trout survive through summer in Ohio ponds?

Many spring-stocked rainbow trout do not survive warming late-spring and summer water because trout require cool, well-oxygenated conditions.

Where can I check whether a stocking was delayed?

Check the official ODNR trout stocking schedule or call 1-800-WILDLIFE at 1-800-945-3543.

Editorial verification: the 2026 Ohio trout stocking schedule, Ohio’s 2026–27 Fishing Regulations, official fishing-license guidance and ODNR fish-stocking resources were reviewed on July 28, 2026.

Independent information notice: OhioFishingLicense.website is an independent informational resource and is not operated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. This guide provides general educational information, not legal advice. Current ODNR schedules, regulations, emergency notices, property signs and event instructions control.

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