Illinois DNR says, ‘never mind’: Trout stocking will take place at most sites before Oct. 18 season opener

Whims of Illinois’ weather have created a conundrum for DNR, resulting in flip-flops on its decision to stock trout for the fall season, which is set to open Oct. 18.

Last week, DNR announced that stocking of rainbow trout in most of the 60 lakes, rivers and streams designated to open for the season had delayed due to “warmer than normal temperatures. DNR noted the sites would be stocked before October. 31.

But on Wednesday, a cool snap meant things were changing — again.

“Mother Nature has kept our fisheries biologists on their toes this fall, but DNR fisheries staff are excited to announce that ‘most’ inland trout lakes will be stocked in time for the October 18 fall season opener, after all, thanks to cooler conditions throughout much of the state,” DNR announced.

Still, 14 lakes in central and southern Illinois will have delayed stocking schedules, “but they all will be stocked by October 25,” DNR stated.

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