Trout Stocking Returns to the Commonwealth October 1 We are excited to announce the start of the 2021 Trout Stocking season. From October 1 through May 31, Department of Wildlife Resources hatchery staff will stock nearly one million catchable fish into 200 waters throughout Virginia. Favorable conditions at the hatcheries this summer mean that anglers can expect quality fish to be stocked all season long. We ask anglers to respect social distancing guidelines when interacting with hatchery staff during stockings. Please maintain a minimum distance of 6 feet and use facial coverings when speaking with staff.