TEXAS, USA — They’re back! Trout are some of the most colorful, shiny, and slimy cold-weather fishes that have returned for another unique fishing season in Texas.
“It is and it’s kind of unique because when you think of fishing in Texas, you don’t think of a cold-water species because we’re such a hot state," said Donovan Patterson, Texas Parks and Wildlife fisheries biologist.
That’s why special care is given to trout. They are trucked in from out-of-state hatcheries but don’t head out to Texas ponds and streams until the weather is right. And like clockwork, right around the end of November, Texas water temperatures drop, and these fish start jumping.
“Trout is a pretty aggressive predator. They’ll eat anything they can fit in their mouth. So, bugs, other fish, small snakes, birds, and frogs, they’re going to try and eat. I caught one on a leaf one time 'cause I ran out of bait, hahaha," Patterson said.
Trout stock in large ponds and spread out to look for the best water quality and bait fish. They're in streams and ponds where the water is clear.
"Trout are very visually driven. When you think of a trout, you think of a clear stream with high visibility. They can see lures moving. They can see insects moving, they can see flies and things that look like food to them, so they’re a highly visual predator," Patterson said.
If you catch a rainbow trout you'll notice that slime on the trout helps with their immune system.
“Since trout spend their whole life in the water, they’ve gotta have that first barrier between so parasites and any other pathogens (don't) get into their systems," Patterson said.
And here’s some good news, stockings will continue until February. TPWD suggests when you catch trout to cook them for dinner because if you don’t, the bass and birds will.
“The bass love to eat the trout when they’re slow and easy pickings and don’t have to chase them around and they’re getting hungry after a winter of not eating a whole lot," Patterson said.
Here are a couple of reminders. You need a fishing license in Texas if you are 17 or older. There is a limit of five trout per day, but there is no minimum length to keep a trout.
For a full list of stocking locations, visit this website here.
