Rainbow trout are being stocked in city ponds and state park and recreation area lakes across the state by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. These stockings will enhance fishing opportunities this fall and winter.

Stocking schedules can change on short notice for a variety of reasons. The following is a tentative stocking schedule in this area, including quantities:

Week of Oct. 5 – East Verdigre Creek, Royal – 200 trout;

Week of Oct. 13 – TaHaZouka Park Lake, Norfolk – 1,500; Niobrara SP Pond, 1,000; Grove Lake WMA, Royal – 1,500;

Week of Oct. 19 – Gracie Creek, Burwell – 1,000;

Week of Nov. 2 – East Verdigre Creek – 200

Week of Nov. 9 – East Verdigre Creek – 200;

Week of Nov. 16 – East Verdigre Creek – 200

Week of Nov. 23 – East Verdigre Creek – 200

Week of Nov. 30 – East Verdigre Creek – 200

Week of Dec. 7 – East Verdigre Creek – 200;

Week of Dec. 14 – East Verdigre Creek – 200;

Week of Dec. 21 – East Verdigre Creek – 200

Week of Dec. 28 – East Verdigre Creek – 200

The following rainbow trout stockings took place in September:

Week of Sept. 1 – East Verdigre Creek – 200; Ponca SP Pond – 1,500; Grove Lake WMA sandpit, Royal – 50

Week of Sept. 7 – East Verdigre Creek – 200;

Week of Sept. 14 – East Verdigre Creek – 200;

Week of Sept. 21 – East Verdigre Creek – 200;

Week of Sept. 28 – East Verdigre Creek – 200.

Fishing for trout is a great way to introduce children to fishing because simple and inexpensive equipment may be used. A spinning or spin-cast rod and reel with a hook baited with a worm will work well. Add a split shot a couple of feet above the hook and a bobber a couple of feet above the split shot. Spinners, salmon eggs, dough baits and artificial flies also can catch trout.

If you are just getting into fishing and want more details, a helpful resource is Game and Parks’ Going Fishing Guide, available at OutdoorNebraska.gov/howtofish. For information on fish stocking, including the dates of upcoming trout stocking, visit OutdoorNebraska.gov/fishstockingreports.

Visit OutdoorNebraska.gov/fishing for more information on fishing in Nebraska.