COLUMBUS, Ohio – Anglers in South-Central Ohio can prepare their tackle boxes as the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife begins its annual spring rainbow trout releases. Starting Wednesday, March 12, approximately 85,000 trout will be stocked across 90 Ohio locations, with several key sites identified in Fayette, Fairfield, Hocking, and Ross counties.
The trout, raised in state coldwater hatcheries, typically measure between 10 and 13 inches. These stockings are specifically designed for high angler success, providing family-friendly fishing opportunities as temperatures begin to rise.
Local Stocking Schedule & Locations
Residents in the highlight counties can look forward to the following scheduled releases:
| County | Location | Date | Special Notes |
| Ross | Caldwell Lake | March 13, 2026 | Located in Scioto Trail State Park |
| Fairfield | Cenci Park Lake | March 27, 2026 | Located in Lancaster |
| Hocking | Rose Lake | April 3, 2026 | Special Angler Event; Hocking Hills State Park |
| Ross | Yoctangee Park Lake | April 4, 2026 | Special Angler Event; Chillicothe |
| Fayette | Eyman Park | May 2, 2026 | Special Angler Event; Washington Court House |
Important Regulations and Tips
- Daily Limit: The daily harvest limit is five rainbow trout per angler.
- License Requirements: Anglers age 16 and older must possess a valid Ohio fishing license. An annual license is $25, while a one-day license is available for $14.
- Timing: Because rainbow trout are sensitive to warming water, the ODNR recommends fishing within two weeks of the release date for the best results.
- Special Events: At locations like Yoctangee Park and Eyman Park, special events may temporarily restrict fishing for the general public. Specifically at Eyman Park, fishing is reserved for youth until 2:00 p.m. on the day of stocking.
Funding Conservation
The production and stocking of these fish are funded through the sale of fishing licenses and the federal Sport Fish Restoration program. This partnership between the fishing industry and state government uses excise taxes on fishing equipment and fuel to improve habitats and secure public fishing access.
For a full list of all 90 stocking locations across the state or to purchase a license, visit wildohio.gov or use the HuntFish OH mobile app.
Local Trout Fishing: Quick Reference Guide
Here are the specific directions and details for the upcoming rainbow trout releases in your area. Remember, these fish are 10–13 inches long and are best caught within two weeks of their release date.
Ross County
- Caldwell Lake (Scioto Trail State Park):
- Release Date: March 13, 2026.
- Directions: From Chillicothe, take US-23 South. Turn left (East) on OH-372, then left (North) on Lake Road.
- Yoctangee Park Lake:
- Release Date: April 4, 2026.
- Special Event: This date features a special angler event; check locally for potential public fishing restrictions during the event hours.
- Directions: From SR 104 at US 35 in Chillicothe, continue on N. High St. Turn left on Mill St., right on Tritscheller Rd., and right on Enderlin Cir.
Fairfield County
- Cenci Park Lake (Lancaster):
- Release Date: March 27, 2026.
- Directions: From SR 33 in downtown Lancaster, go south on SR 33. Exit on Broad Street (SR 793) and turn right. The park entrance is just beyond the overpass.
Hocking County
- Rose Lake (Hocking Hills State Park):
- Release Date: April 3, 2026.
- Special Event: A special angler event is scheduled for this release date.
- Directions: From the US 33 and SR 664 intersection in Logan, head southwest on SR 664 to the Hocking Hills State Park Lodge headquarters.
Fayette County
- Eyman Park (Washington Court House):
- Release Date: May 2, 2026.
- Special Event: This site features a special angler event.
- Youth Restriction: Public fishing is typically restricted for a youth-only event until 2:00 PM on the day of stocking.
- Directions: From I-71 and SR 41, go south on SR 41 to Washington Court House. Turn right on Eyman Park Drive.
