What a disappointment! I got on the ODNR website the other day and it seems the state has suspended the trout stocking program. They are working on the hatchery and said the program will be back as normal in the spring. Always enjoy fishin' for those stockies...too many guys give them a bad rap. Thoughts?

                                                           

I also am a big supporter of our hatchery programs. Most folks don't realize that  by 1870, do to the large concern for the loss of our fisherys, and out of concern for future generations, The U.S. Fisherys division was implimented.  The first hatchery was built in 1872, and with in 10 years, there were hatcherys thru out the U.S.!! Today our Inviros complain about our hatchery reared fish, claiming that they taint the true blood line of our native fish!!! What a bunch of crap!! I defy any so called expert to tell me that any perticular trout or salmon is indeed a native!! Yes, there are a few hi elevation lakes that have never been stocked, and do have trout populations, but, they are few.  It is my opinion, that without our hatchery program, starting as early as it did, with our extreme interest in fishing, we would have no trout or salmon!
Allen

Here in Illinois we don't (to the best of my knowledge) have a 'native' trout population. The DNR does have a stocking program that puts "catchable" or eater size trout in select lakes around the state. This program is supported by the purchase of an inland trout stamp at $6.50. Lake Michigan also gets stockings of coho and chinook salmon as well as rainbow and lake trout. This stocking is supported by purchases of the Lk Mich Salmon stamp (also $6.50) Seems to work here, you should see the crowds the first day of catchable trout season!

Yep, I know exactly what you're saying Pegsguy...I'm one of those guys lining the bank on the day they release them.  

Here in PA we have brook trrout and lake trout that are native to the state. Any other trout is an invasive species. I used to love fishing for them on opening day but now I dont like the croweds and dont fish for them much. I still like getting out for the day and fish for them but I dont get upset if I come home skunked. Sometimes I dont even fish and just go for a walk down the streams and enjoy the scenery. Catch and release for me anyways might be a little different for guys who take them home for a nice meal. Those steelhead and big browns are what I go after and get ready for, not little stockies.

mo I take it u live in ohio and if u say they stop stocking stockies then what about maybe fishing for those steelheads. Ohio stocks them in lake erie. Might be worth a trip for u.

Solitario Lupo: You are right, Lake Erie has an incredible steelhead fishery. Unfortunately, that is a 3 or 4 hour roadtrip for me. Down here where I am, stockies are the only game in town when it comes to trout. That's not a bad thing at all...ever catch 50+ rainbows in one day? I have come home with my arms more sore than after bringing in a 30lb. flathead. We also do catch and release, when it comes to fish for the table, we prefer specks and 'gills. Most of the trout the state releases down here become dinner for big bass and catfish. We have a situation similar to California...I have several lures painted up like a rainbow trout...big bass here eat stockies. I read on the state's website that stocking would return to normal in the spring, I can't wait!
                                                                            

Where in Ohio are you mo65? I occasionally find myself in the Cincy area visiting relatives.

Pegsguy, I'm about 100 miles east of Cincy...little town called Chillicothe. It was Ohio's first capital, back when arrows were still flying!

Mo65, I have a niece and her family in Marysville. Since I know almost nothing about Ohio, I have no idea where that is. Except Cleveland has the Rock and Roll hall of fame and Mike Iconelli did one of his City Limits Fishing shows there.
Allen

That's ok AZ...we'll give you an A for effort! Marysville is about 80 miles north of here. 

Hi guys just thought I wuld chime in on OHIO locations, I am up in Avon Lake, the fishing is good when you can get out on the big pond, perch are as big as they have been in years, the walleye are getting really fat on the shad and the rivers are full of steelhead, at least until this last batch of rain. I wonder how many OHIO guys we have here, I transfered from MI back in 06 did a lot of Salmon fishing up there. Last I checked the Fawl brawl leader was just under 12 LBS, I think midnight tonight is the end of the brawl so I have to get out and try for that big one.

I have a question, what is the deal. They entice you to become a life member to get all the bemefits, then once you have they try to sell you Lifemember upgrades? To me that is a bunch a BS have any of you so called "upgraded". Also I wish they would quit sending the china made stuff, you would think they would want to deal with quality stuff.

Posted By rseltz on 03 Dec 2011 07:52 AM
I have a question, what is the deal. They entice you to become a life member to get all the bemefits, then once you have they try to sell you Lifemember upgrades? To me that is a bunch a BS have any of you so called "upgraded". Also I wish they would quit sending the china made stuff, you would think they would want to deal with quality stuff.

I'm not sure what this has to do with stocked trout, but I will agree, its rather annoying to think you're at the "top tier" and along comes yet another offer!

Does Ohio like most states require a special stamp or permit to take trout? I'm too lazy to look it up. Illinois has both an inland trout stamp and a Lk Mich salmon stamp each of which is an additional $6.50 above a standard license.

Posted By Pegsguy on 03 Dec 2011 10:00 AM
Does Ohio like most states require a special stamp or permit to take trout? I'm too lazy to look it up. Illinois has both an inland trout stamp and a Lk Mich salmon stamp each of which is an additional $6.50 above a standard license.

No...no additional stamp for trout...don't say it too loud...they'll make one!