LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — It was an angler’s dream at Schoonover Lake on Tuesday afternoon as 800 rainbow trout were released into the water as part of the state’s restocking program.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife restocks 85,000 trout in public lakes and ponds across the state each year. The fish, which measure between 10 and 13 inches in length, are raised in Ohio hatcheries for about a year before being released.
The fish, which measure between 10 and 13 inches in length, are raised in Ohio hatcheries for about a year before being released.
For many Ohio fishermen, this is a long-anticipated event after months of waiting through the winter.
“My grandpa’s brought me here since I was probably six or so,” said Carson Harmon. “It’s a good little itch-scratcher after sitting around all winter waiting for some fish to start biting, so we’ve been coming here forever. I look forward to it and spending time with my grandpa and my family.”
Anyone 16 years and older must have a valid fishing license to remove fish from any Ohio public waters. ODNR encourages those who have never fished to give it a try, as it could start a tradition that lasts a lifetime.
