City Trout Season to open January 1

(December 20, 2007) - The City’s annual trout season will open January 1, 2008 at Dolese Youth Park Pond, located at NW 50th and Meridian.  The trout season is part of the “Close to Home” fishing program, a joint project between the City of Oklahoma City and Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.

Over 8,000 rainbow trout will be stocked every two weeks during the two-month season, which ends February 29.  Stocking dates are January 3, January 17, February 14 and February 28.

Regulations

Unless otherwise exempt, all anglers between the ages of 16 and 62 must have a City fishing permit.  A state fishing license is also required, but a trout permit is not required.  Boat fishing is not allowed on the pond, and any trout caught and placed on a stringer or in a bucket cannot be released back into the water.  A daily catch limit of six trout per person has been set by City ordinance.  Additionally, anglers are limited to using only one rod and reel, or pole, to catch trout.

Fishing Clinic Set

A free fishing clinic hosted by the Parks and Recreation Department and Department of Wildlife Conservation will give anglers the opportunity to hone their skills.  The clinic will take place January 11 from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. at the Putnam City High School Gymnasium, across from Dolese Youth Park Pond.  Participants will learn basic fishing techniques including casting, knot-tying, fish identification, angler ethics and more.  Registration is required.

To register for the January 11 clinic, anglers may call the City’s H.B. Parsons Fish Hatchery at 405 755-4014.  For additional information, including where to buy fishing and boating permits, anglers may visit the City’s Web site at www.okc.gov/lakes .  Dolese Youth Park and the H.B. Parsons Fish Hatchery are operated by the City of Oklahoma City’s Parks and Recreation Department.