The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has a program that increases community fishing sites across the state. Representatives joined Crystal Lake Fisheries from Ava, Missouri to stock a pond at Girard Park with Rainbow Trout.

About 300 pounds of Rainbow Trout are now swimming at the pond in Girard Park. The park is considered an ideal location to inspire more people to get out and fish. “It’s a great pond. It has all kinds of amenities around it. It’s a fun place to bring your family. Spend the day together,” said Megan Macmenamin, a fishery biologist with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

“We stock these ponds as a way to bring a quality fishery close to home. Somewhere right in your neighborhood where you can maybe ride your bike, come fishing for the day and catch something you want to keep and take home with you,” she said.

According to Macmenmin, the Get Out and Fish Community Program began in 2014, starting at Girard Park. “It shows people what fishing’s all about. Especially the young people, but even adults that don’t really get out,” said Jody David, a fishery manager at Lafayette’s Wildlife and Fisheries.

With the program, they stock 12 sites year-round with adult-sized Channel Catfish. In the winter, it’s Rainbow Trout. “They’re a non-native species and it gives people an opportunity to catch something they probably haven’t been able to catch before,” Macmenamin added.

Program representatives take pride in finding easily accessible locations for everyone to get the full experience. “It gives a little excitement. A little bit of energy back into fishing,” said Macmenamin.

“Come out and catch some fish,” added David.

Another site being stocked with the Rainbow Trout is Southside Park ‘s pound in Youngsville.

The program also has fishing community events. For more information, visit http://www.wlf.la.gov/get-out-and-fish-1