It’s that time of year! Spring trout stocking has begun. This article attempts to answer a few basic questions about how stocking works in Maryland.
What is stocking and why does Maryland do it?
Rainbow trout, golden rainbow trout, and brown trout are added to waters across the state by the Department of Natural Resources. Rainbows are stocked more than the other species. Trout are a cold-water species, meaning they can only survive in cold, usually fast flowing waters. There are natural trout populations in Western Maryland, but for the most part, Maryland is too warm for trout to survive summer water temperatures, so the DNR adds trout every spring. Trout are added for recreational and food purposes. Most are eaten or dead by late June.
Where does stocking occur?
Multiple waterways are stocked in every county except Somerset, Dorchester, Talbot, Kent, and St. Mary’s. These counties are mostly saltwater or brackish, and trout are exclusively freshwater. Check this graph for exact locations for exact locations.
How many trout are stocked?
A lot. 308,250 this year, to be exact.
Are there places with special restrictions I should know about?
Yes. Many spots are for youth and blind only, or have delayed harvest dates. Check this graph for specific locations near you.
When can I not fish for stocked trout?
Many locations have closure dates directly after stocking to let fish adjust to their new environments. On this graph each spot has a specific closure date. A 0 means no closure. A 1 means no fishing March 10th-30th. A 2 means no fishing March 24th-30th.
When does stocking occur?
Stocking begins according to weather in late February. There is an extended period between March 10th-30th that focuses primarily on Western Maryland as well as Carroll and Baltimore Counties. Stocking then occurs on March 31st, April 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th, May 5th and 12th, and sparingly between May 19th and June 1st.
Can I harvest stocked trout?
Yes, that is the state’s intention. Unless marked as a put-and-take or a special management area, the limit is 2 per person per day without a size limit. 5 can be harvested from put-and-take areas.
Where are some additional resources?
List of Put-and-Take Areas: http://www.eregulations.com/maryland/fishing/put-take-trout-fishing-areas/
Department of Natural Resourcs General Information Page:http://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/trout/stocking.aspx
Map of Stocking: http://gisapps.dnr.state.md.us/TroutStockingMap/
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