Rainbow trout will begin arriving in lakes, rivers and community ponds across Texas on Nov. 26 as the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department launches its annual winter stocking program.
The first deliveries come the day before Thanksgiving, marking the start of a seasonal tradition that draws anglers of all experience levels.
TPWD will stock an estimated 335,048 rainbow trout from Nov. 26 through March 6.
The species typically cannot survive Texas’ warm-water climates past winter, so anglers are encouraged to keep up to the daily bag limit of five fish.
Exceptions apply to special trout management zones on the Guadalupe River below Canyon Lake, where water remains cool enough for trout to live yearround. That stretch of river is recognized as one of the top 100 trout streams in the country and is considered the southernmost trout stream in North America.
“TPWD is proud to continue the tradition of bringing rainbow trout to waters across Texas,” said Neil Pugliese, the agency’s rainbow trout program director. “Our annual stocking program is designed to make fishing accessible and enjoyable for everyone from seasoned anglers to families casting a line for the first time. It’s about more than fishing; it’s about creating opportunities to connect with nature and build lasting memories.”
Trout will be stocked in highuse rivers such as the Guadalupe, Brazos below Possum Kingdom Lake, and sections of the Frio and South Llano rivers, as well as the Clear Fork of the Trinity River.
Dozens of city and county parks are also included, along with the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, where Lake Zebco and the Centex and Strike King ponds were recently renovated.
Many urban centers will receive trout through TPWD’s Neighborhood Fishin’ program, which manages 18 lakes in cities including Amarillo, Austin, Dallas- Fort Worth, Houston, San Angelo, San Antonio and Wichita Falls.
These sites are stocked frequently during winter and provide amenities geared toward families and new anglers.
Fishing for rainbow trout does not require elaborate gear. Trout can be caught on light tackle or flies, though TPWD recommends keeping a variety of baits, lures and ice on hand. Trout are widely considered an excellent table fish, and recipes are easy to find online.
Visitors may fish without a license from shore, docks or piers within any Texas state park. TPWD advises reserving day passes ahead of time, especially during holidays and weekends, either online or by calling 512-389-8900.
Outside state parks, fishing licenses with freshwater endorsements are required for adults, while youth under 17 may fish without a license.
Revenue from license sales helps fund fishing access and conservation efforts statewide.
Anglers in Community Fishing Lakes and state parks are limited to no more than two poles.
The statewide limit for rainbow trout is five fish with no minimum length, except where special regulations apply on the Guadalupe River.
Stocking dates and locations may shift in response to weather or other conditions. TPWD encourages anglers to check the 2025-26 Trout Stocking Schedule online for updated dates, regulations and tips before heading out.
.png)
