February 22, 2006

SPRING TROUT RELEASE PROVIDES FISHING OPPORTUNITIES AROUND THE STATE

COLUMBUS, OH - Public fishing opportunities will be enhanced this spring when more than 80,000 rainbow trout, measuring 10 to 13-inches long, are released into 45 Ohio lakes and ponds from mid-March through mid-May, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. Anglers are reminded that the daily catch limit for inland lakes is five trout per angler.

“Fishing is a family activity that brings many Ohioans hours of enjoyment,” said Jim Stafford, fish hatchery administrator for the ODNR Division of Wildlife. “These releases provide anglers of all abilities a chance at a great catch.”

Some of the trout locations will feature special, youth-only angler events the day of the scheduled release.

Anglers age 16 and older must have an Ohio fishing license to fish the state’s public waters. The 2006-2007 fishing license can be purchased now and is required on March 1. An annual resident fishing license costs $19 and is valid through February 28, 2007. A one-day fishing license is available and may be purchased for $11 by residents or non-residents. The one-day license may also be redeemed for credit toward purchase of an annual fishing license.

Resident anglers born on or before December 31, 1937 may obtain a free fishing license where licenses are sold. Persons age 66 and older who were born on or after January 1, 1938, and have resided in Ohio for the past six months, are eligible to purchase the reduced cost Resident Senior License for $10.

Additional information about spring trout releases is available by calling an ODNR Division of Wildlife district office in Akron, Athens, Columbus, Findlay, and Xenia, or by calling toll-free 1-800-WILDLIFE.