Indiana’s Rainbow Trout Stocking Changes in Clark, Pike, Jefferson and Vanderburgh Counties

The Department of Natural Resources is changing the way it stocks rainbow trout in some southern Indiana lakes.

The changes are to better distribute the fish so more people can have the chance to fish for trout.

Trout stocking will be eliminated at Pine Lake in Clark State Forest so that stocking can take place at Johnson Lake in Madison’s Johnson Park. Johnson Lake will be stocked with 300 trout. DNR will continue to stock Oak Lake, also in Clark State Forest, with 405 trout.

Trout stocking will also be eliminated at Bethel Pit in Sugar Ridge Fish & Wildlife Area in Pike County, so that stocking can take place at Garvin Park Lake in Evansville’s Garvin Park. Garvin Park Lake will be stocked with 550 trout.

Trout are normally stocked during the third week in October.

On Oct. 20 at Garvin Park, DNR is hosting a youth fishing event from 1 to 5 p.m. CDT.

DNR staff will offer assistance and have fishing poles and bait for anyone who would like to come and trout fish that afternoon.

Trout anglers age 17 and older need a fishing license and a trout/salmon stamp. Anglers age 16 and younger do not need a fishing license or trout stamp. Licenses and stamps can be purchased at IndianaOutdoor.IN.gov.

The rainbow trout daily bag limit is five, and the minimum size limit is 7 inches.

Indiana Department of Natural Resources

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is the agency of the U.S. state of Indiana charged with maintaining natural areas such as state parks, state forests, recreation areas, etc. There are many divisions within the DNR and each has a specific role. The DNR is not only responsible for maintaining resource areas but also manages Indiana's fish and wildlife, reclaims coal mine ground, manages forested areas, aids in the management of wildlife on private lands, enforces Indiana's conservation laws, and many other duties not named here. According to the department's website, their mission is "to protect, enhance, preserve, and wisely use natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the benefit of Indiana's citizens through professional leadership, management, and education."