Wanted: Spring Break Trout Anglers in Tyler

Media Contact: Craig Bonds, (903) 566-1615, icle__media__contact">Media Contact: Craig Bonds, (903) 566-1615, ext. 200; craig.bonds@tpwd.texas.gov

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ATHENS—The Nature Center in Tyler has about a thousand rainbow trout that need a home on one’s dinner table.

Each year trout are stocked into The Nature Center’s pond for fishing events in January, and they need to be harvested before water temperatures rise to the point the fish cannot survive.

During the Spring Break Trout Fest March 7—10, anyone may fish for free from 8:30 a.m. until 12:00 noon only. No fishing will be allowed after noon. Youth under age 18 must be supervised at all times by an adult. No fishing license is needed. Up to five rainbow trout and one channel catfish per day may be harvested. Anyone intending to harvest fish should bring a stringer or cooler.

Recommended gear is a light-action rod and reel combination (one per child) with very small fishing hooks, light line (less than 12-pound test) small bobbers, and small split shots.  For bait, use canned whole-kernel corn, small worms or prepared trout bait such as Berkley PowerBait.  Small rooster-tail spinners work well, but single hooks are required on this type bait.

The Nature Center is located on FM 848 (Bascom Road) two-tenths of a mile west of University Drive (Spur 248). Enter through the iron gate and park in the designated area; a path leads to the fishing pond.

For information contact Craig Bonds at (903) 566-1615, extension 200, or Richard Ott at (903) 566-2161.