Thousands of extra-large rainbow trout will be released in several Oregon fishing holes this spring as the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife rolls out an enhanced “Trophy Trout” program created under a 2015 legislative directive involving State Rep. Greg Smith (R-Heppner).
More than 10,000 rainbow trout ranging in size from one to three pounds will be released at five locations around the state starting March 7 and continuing through May.
The trophy trout program isn’t new. ODFW has been releasing large trout for years into many lakes around the state. However, during the 2015 legislative session, Smith and ODFW came together to discuss the creation of a Trophy Trout Pilot Program that would select a handful of reservoirs to stock with trout in the one to three-pound range. The goal is to help boost economic development opportunities for regions that rely heavily on hunting and fishing tourism.
For 2016, ODFW raised an additional 10,500 large trout that will be will be released in the following five locations: Phillips Reservoir in Baker County, Willow Creek Reservoir in Morrow County, Timothy Lake in Clackamas County, Trojan Pond in Columbia County, and Garrison Lake in Curry County. Releases will start the week of March 7 and take place periodically until June. Morrow County’s Willow Creek Reservoir will be stocked with 750 trout in April and another 750 in May. ODFW plans to further expand trophy trout fishing opportunities next year by producing 25,000 of the larger trout and releasing them in more locations (not yet determined).
“This is a great project that is not only perfect for the Willow Creek Reservoir, but the other locations as well,” said Smith. “I appreciate ODFW’s leadership and willingness to think outside the box in creating and sustaining economic opportunities in rural Oregon.”
“Fishing has been and continues to be a favorite recreational activity for many Oregonians,” said Curt Melcher, Director of ODFW. “The Trophy Trout Pilot Program will allow us to support the industry, support rural economies, and provide something new and exciting to generate enthusiasm.”
