Iowa DNR’s winter community trout stockings start Jan. 3

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will release rainbow trout in nine locations across Iowa this winter in areas that would not support them during warmer months.

Winter trout stockings are a great place to take kids to catch their first fish. A family-friendly event is paired with some stockings to help anglers have success and fun while fishing.

The popular program is supported by the sales of the trout fee. Anglers need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. The daily limit is five trout per licensed angler with a possession limit of 10. 

Children age 15 or younger can fish for trout with a properly licensed adult, but together, they can only keep one daily limit. Children can pay the trout fee, allowing them to keep their own daily limit.

Winter trout stocking events are dependent on favorable weather and ice conditions. Check the DNR Trout Fishing website for possible changes to the schedule.

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2025 Winter Community Trout Stocking Schedule 

• Jan. 3, Bacon Creek Lake, Sioux City, at 1 p.m.
• Jan. 11, Blue Pit, Mason City, at 11 a.m.
• Jan. 24, Big Lake, Council Bluffs, at 3 p.m.
• Jan. 24, Moorland Pond, Fort Dodge, at Noon
• Feb. 1, Lake Petocka, Bondurant, at Noon
• Feb. 1, Scharnberg Pond, Spencer, at Noon
• Feb. 4, Triumph Park West and East, Waukee, at Noon
• Feb. 4, Terra Lake, Johnston, at Noon
• Feb. 8, Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake, Ames, at Noon