Spring community trout stocking in Iowa starts March 16

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources fisheries staff will release between 1,000 to 2,000 rainbow trout in 12 lakes across Iowa in March and April as part of its cool weather trout program.

The spring community trout stockings are a great place to take kids to catch their first fish. A small hook with a nightcrawler or corn under a small bobber to casting small simple spinners, such as a Panther Martin or Mepps, is all you need to get in on the fun.

Bringing trout to cities and towns offers a “close to home” option for Iowans who might not travel to northeast Iowa to experience trout fishing. Ottumwa Park Pond, Noelridge Park Pond, Ely Pond, North Ridge Park Pond, and North Prairie Lake will also host family-friendly events to help anglers catch trout and have fun while fishing.

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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.

Once you buy your trout fee, you can fish for trout all year long at any of the community trout lakes and trout streams in northeast Iowa.

Find more information about Iowa trout streams on the DNR website.

2026 Spring Community Trout Stocking Schedule 

March 16

Terra Lake, Johnston, at Noon

March 19 

Jefferson Co. Park New Pond, Fairfield, at 10 a.m.

Wilson Lake, Donnellson, at Noon

Lake of the Hills, Davenport, at 10 a.m.

March 20 

Liberty Centre Pond, North Liberty, at 10:30 a.m.

North Ridge Park Pond, Coralville, at 11:30 a.m.

March 21

Ottumwa Park Pond, Ottumwa, at 11 a.m.

Noelridge Park Pond, Cedar Rapids, at 9:30 a.m.

Ely Pond, Ely, at 11 a.m.

April 24

Sand Lake, Marshalltown, at Noon

April 25 

North Prairie Lake, Cedar Falls, at 10 a.m.

Heritage Pond, Dubuque, at 10:30 a.m.