Community trout stockings offer a “close to home” option for anglers in cities and towns across Iowa. These cool weather stockings provide easy access trout fishing in areas that cannot support trout in the summer.

A family-friendly event is often paired with the stocking to help anglers have success and fun while fishing.

Between 1,000 to 4,000 rainbow trout are stocked twice a year at these 18 locations between October and April:

What do I need to catch trout in a community lake or pond? The trout are very active and eager to bite when they come off of the hatchery truck. A small hook with a nightcrawler or corn under a small bobber, or small spinners such as a Panther Martin or Mepps is all you need to get in on the fun. There are several ways to catch rainbow and brook trout in community ponds and lakes during the winter. • If you are fishing through the ice, fish for trout just like you would for bluegill and crappie. A teardrop jig tipped with a waxworm under a small bobber works great. You could also use something flashy like a Super Duper, Little Cecil or a small jigging spoon with a blade on it to attract the fish. • If you are fishing open water, cast several lure types with ultralight gear including a small jig and twister, in-line spinner such as a Panther Martin, or small stick baits such as a floating Rapala. You can also fish with a bobber, small split shot and a worm on a small hook. Find more tips for catching trout on our How to Fish for Trout webpage.

Fishing license and trout fee Community trout stockings are supported by the sales of the trout fee. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. The daily limit is five trout per licensed angler with a possession limit of 10. Children age 15 or younger can fish for trout without a fishing license and trout stamp if they are with a properly licensed adult, but they must limit their combined catch to the adult’s daily limit of five trout. The child can buy a trout fee which will allow them to catch their own limit. Once you buy your trout fee, you can fish for trout all year long at any of the community trout lakes or ponds (see list above) and Northeast Iowa trout streams.