SPORTS + OUTDOORS

Brazos Bend State Park will host a Rainbow Trout Family Fishing Event on January 15th from 7am to 5 pm. Over 2,000 catchable Rainbow Trout will be stocked into New Horseshoe Lake as part of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) annual trout stocking program.

TPWD has been stocking rainbow trout each winter throughout Texas since the 1970s, providing Texans a simple and economical opportunity to go fishing. The Brazos Bend State Park Volunteer Organization graciously funded half of the purchase price of this year’s stock, allowing for an increase of 800 more fish than last year.

Catching these hungry fish at Brazos Bend State Park can be easy, making the experience ideal for both novice anglers and kids. The fish will bite almost immediately after stocking and typically will take a variety of baits, from whole kernel canned corn or commercial soft bait to artificial flies and even small spinner baits.

Fishing gear can be as basic as an inexpensive rod and reel combo, a small plastic bobber, a fishing weight and a hook. If you don’t have fishing gear, a limited number of rod and reel setups will be available free of charge for use during the event. It’s also a good idea to carry along a pair of needle-nosed pliers to help remove hooks, and a five gallon bucket, small ice chest or a fish stringer to keep your catch. Be sure to keep freshly caught trout cold on ice or refrigerated.

Park Rangers will be available each day during the event to assist fisherman and to answer questions.

Free fishing in all Texas State Parks will continuing this year. Park visitors do not need a fishing license while they’re fishing within the boundaries of a state park.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department encourages adults and youths to discover the excitement and joys of fishing while experiencing one of the state’s premier parks – Brazos Bend State Park. Anglers are required to pay the park’s entrance fee for the Rainbow Trout Fishing Event and follow all applicable fishing regulations. Rainbow trout anglers can keep five trout per day. There is no minimum length limit.