Indiana May Trout Releases Canceled

A shortfall of trout has caused the Indiana Department of Natural Resources to cancel additional trout stockings into five northern Indiana streams in May.

Since 1990, the Pigeon River in Steuben and LaGrange counties, Turkey Creek in LaGrange County, the Little Elkhart River in Elkhart County and the Little Kankakee River in LaPorte County have received May trout releases to extend trout fishing opportunities. In 2012, Potato Creek in St. Joseph County was added to the list.

Trout for May releases are not extra trout but part of the annual allotment which are held back from the initial release of trout for opening day of stream trout season in late April.

The trout shortfall resulted from the 2012 drought. High water temperatures and low water flow diminished production at the DNR trout production facility.

The DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife plans to continue the May releases in 2014.

In the meantime, trout from the initial releases in late April are still available in most of northern Indiana’s trout streams. Anglers fishing the more remote areas continue to report good catches.

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."