TROUT FISHING OPPORTUNITIES AWAIT ANGLERS AT STATE’S CASTALIA FISH HATCHERY

TROUT FISHING OPPORTUNITIES AWAIT ANGLERS AT STATE’S CASTALIA FISH HATCHERY

COLUMBUS, OH -- Controlled trout-fishing opportunities on Cold Creek, one of Ohio’s most unique streams, again await fly-fishing enthusiasts who may enter a special lottery, conducted by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife, to participate.

A half-mile section of the creek, located at the Castalia State Fish Hatchery in Erie County, will again be open to a limited number of anglers during two seasons that are scheduled between April 4 and October 28.

Anglers interested in fishing the stream must submit an application, along with a non-refundable $3 application fee, before March 1 in order to be eligible for the drawing. Forms are available for download on the Division of Wildlife web site at ohiodnr.com. Postcards will no longer be accepted for the drawing. Completed forms and application fees should be mailed to: Castalia Trout Fishing, c/o Division of Wildlife, 2045 Morse Road, G-1, Columbus, OH 43229. Successful applicants will be notified by mail of their fishing dates.

There will be two seasons: one for adults (April 4 through June 3 and August 22 through October 28), and one for youths age 16 and under (June 6 through August 19). Individuals selected to participate will be allowed to bring along two other adults and three youths under the age of 16 (six people total).

Special fishing rules will be in effect for this event to ensure that a quality fishing experience is maintained throughout the season. One special rule prohibits catch and release fishing, with wildlife officials requiring that anglers keep all fish they catch. The daily bag limit will be five trout per angler.

Anglers will be required to check in at the hatchery upon arrival and check out at the end of their session. Fishing sessions will be open from 7 a.m. to noon. Anglers age 16 years and older will need a valid 2005 Ohio fishing license.

An Ohio resident annual fishing license for 2005 costs $19; a one-day fishing license costs $11. Those who purchase a one-day fishing license may later return it to a license agent to receive credit toward purchase of an annual fishing license.