Tips and tricks 

Can you stock rainbow trout in Texas?

Jeremy Anderson

Can you stock rainbow trout in Texas?

The easy to catch rainbow trout are delicious table fare and can be found on many restaurant menus. “TPWD stocks catchable sized fish during winter months to create angling opportunities throughout Texas,” said TPWD’s rainbow trout Program Director, Carl Kittel.

How fast do rainbow trout grow in a pond?

Trout can be expected to grow about one inch in length per month during the spring and summer growing season in natural waters. Fed fish grow somewhat faster. Advanced fry (fish one or two inches in length) are cheaper but mortality losses are about 30 to 50 percent.

Can you stock a pond with rainbow trout?

Stocking your pond with Brook, Rainbow or Brown Trout is preferred when the water is cooler, though it can be done safely throughout the year as customer requirements may vary. Spring stocking is usually the most popular stocking period, but Fall is also a good time of the year to stock your pond.

Can you put trout in a pond?

Small trout can be added to bass ponds in fall while the water is still warm enough for the bass to be active and cold enough for the trout to live. They then serve as an outstanding food source for pond owners looking to grow big bass.

How deep should trout pond be?

For trout, plan on a depth of at least 5 to 7 feet, with a capacity of 50 to 500 gallons. For a larger number of trout, the capacity should be around 400 to 500 gallons.

Will trout survive in a spring fed pond?

Trout live in water temperatures between 33° – 75°F, but grow most rapidly in water 50° – 65°F and are less susceptible to parasites and diseases. Ponds are unlikely to be this cool unless fed by springs or deep groundwater.

What is the best bait to use for rainbow trout?

Best Bait to Catch Rainbow Trout

  • Powerbait Trout Nuggets (especially for hatchery fish)
  • Worms.
  • Live nymphs and minnows (best used in winter)
  • Kernel corn and colored marshmallows (for hatchery fish)
  • Salmon eggs.

How deep does a trout pond need to be?

Can trout breed in a pond?

Yes, trout can spawn in lakes and ponds. Even in ones without inlet or outlet streams. The spawning success rate is low, but it is high enough to sustain populations of wild trout. When given the choice, trout prefer to spawn in clean gravel beds beneath clean, cold flowing water which is oxygen rich.