By Tom Cross
According to the Ohio Division of Wildlife, fishing season arrives in Adams County on Thursday, March 16 when approximately 2,000 rainbow trout will be stocked for the last time in Adams Lake. A tradition that goes back to 1997 will be discontinued after this spring. It’s been a very popular event as anglers line the shores in anticipation of the state hatchery truck’s arrival. Trout stocked in Adams Lake usually come from the Kincaid Fish Hatchery in Pike County.
For more on ODNR reasons trout will no longer be stocked into Adams Lake pick up a copy of the February 15 edition of The Peoples Defender or online at https://www.peoplesdefender.com/2023/02/16/after-this-year-no-more-trout-at-adams-lake/.
Trout average 10-13 inches in length, the limit is five trout per day.
In all, 90 lakes in Ohio will be stocked with trout before the end of May. Over 100,000 rainbow trout were reared in Ohio hatcheries this winter and are now ready to be stocked providing anglers of all ages with fishing opportunities and delicious table fare.
Nearby lakes to receive trout are Turkey Creek and Roosevelt Lake in Shawnee State Park on April 22 for the annual Shawnee Trout Derby, Ohio’s oldest trout derby.
Small Rooster Tail spinners, cheese, power bait, grubs and meal worms are all proven baits to lure a trout into biting. The big question is, who will be the last angler to catch the last trout from Adams Lake?
For a complete list of trout stocking and dates go to https://ohiodnr.gov/buy-and-apply/hunting-fishing-boating/fishing-resources/trout-stockings.