These fish can live in water up to 70 degrees - usually mid to late March here in Louisiana. However, nearly all the trout are usually caught (and kept) by then.
To see the locations of the LDWF stockings, go to:
https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/get-out-and-fish or click on the image to this post.
A few things to keep in mind. You do need to have a Louisiana fishing license. All fish must be caught on legal recreational tackle (rod and reel, fly tackle or cane pole). There is a daily limit of four (4) fish per day.
Most of the stocked fish are between 10 and 12 inches, but each pond will have several up to 16-18 inches to give anglers the opportunity for a bigger fish.
For fly anglers, it's an opportunity to enjoy good fishing at a time when native species like bass and bream are sluggish. All that is needed is a 5-weight outfit. However, for those with an ultralight outfit (3-weight or lower), the fun factor is amplified!
Regarding flies. The first couple of weeks the fish are opportunistic. An olive or black woolybugger will work best, along with a few nymphs such as Prince Nymph, Copper Johns, Hares Ears, and San Juan Worms. Once the trout have acclimated to their environment, dry flies work very well late in the day.
Thursday, January 04, 2024
Rainbeaux Trout time in Louisiana!
Each winter, over a dozen ponds across Louisiana are stocked with rainbow trout. Some of the stockings are by local agencies. For example, ponds in East Baton Rouge Parish are stocked by Baton Rouge Recreation (BREC). Most ponds are stocked by Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries under their "Get Out and Fish" community fishing program.