Massachusetts 2013 Trout Stalking Schedule

Fish Stocking Information

Here are links to information about waters stocked with various fish species as well as trout stocking information.

• 2013 Trout Stocked Waters
• 2013 Spring Trout Stocking Schedule (updated each Friday)
• Salmon Fry Stocking Help Needed!
• Broodstock Salmon-Winter 2011-12
• Northern Pike & Tiger Muskellunge

2013 Spring Trout Stocking

Spring trout stocking started in the Southeast and Northeast Districts the week of March 11th. Due to water chemistry and access conditions, Central District and Connecticut Valley District staff plan to start stocking the week of March 18 and the Western District staff will commence trout stocking the week of March 25.

Bay State anglers with their 2013 freshwater fishing license in hand can look forward to casting for over 510,000 feisty brook, brown, rainbow and tiger trout by mid-March. These are sizeable fish; more than 74% of the fish are in the 12 inches or longer size category with more than 32% of the fish in the 14 inches or larger category. Stocking got under way in the second week of March in southeastern Massachusetts-as water chemistry and access conditions improve, other MassWildlife District offices will begin stocking. Anglers are advised to contact the District officesto for information on stocking. "We'll be putting out 295,400 rainbow trout, 84,700 brook trout and 129,400 brown trout," said Ken Simmons, MassWildlife Hatchery Chief. "In addition, just over 3000 tiger trout weighing more than a pound and measuring over 14 inches will be distributed equally throughout the five districts." Tiger trout are a cross between a female brown trout and a male brook trout, have become popular with folks lucky enough to hook and land one. The larger water bodies will receive the larger fish and the smaller brooks and streams will receive the majority of the smaller-sized fish. Finally, in addition to the trout, approximately 350 broodstock salmon from the Palmer Hatchery ranging from 2-3 pounds will be stocked across the state. Trout stocking schedules will be updated every Friday between March and Memorial Day in May.

Fresh water anglers are reminded that the use of lead sinkers and lead jigs weighing less than one ounce, regardless of whether they are painted, coated with rubber, covered by attached "skirts" or some other material, is prohibited. More info on this topic.