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Media Invited to Stock Trout in Urban Waters
Richmond, VA — The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) is inviting members of the media to help the Department stock trout in several water bodies across the state. Stocking fish at local ponds and lakes is a fun experience that takes more skill than you might think and also provides recreational fishing opportunities close to population centers. Join the Department and learn about this important program.
The DWR Urban Fishing Program, initiated in 1993, brings trout fishing opportunities to urban and suburban communities across the Commonwealth during the cooler months of the year. Approximately 1.5 million* Virginians live in these areas and with this program, they can experience and participate in recreation often associated with more rural, Western parts of the state and bring dinner home at the same time. In late spring, these waters are also stocked with channel catfish.
The DWR Urban Fishing Program stocks trout in seven waterbodies across the state from November through the end of April. Anglers can harvest four trout, no less than 7 inches in length, daily from these special trout urban waters. During this time, anglers over 16 years old are required to have a freshwater fishing license and a trout fishing license.
“It is truly heartwarming to see folks out on the banks of these waterbodies waiting for the stocking truck to pull up,” said DWR State Hatchery Superintendent Brendan Delbos. “Not everyone has the opportunity, time, or means to travel to the trout, so DWR brings the trout to the people.”
Media stocking opportunities plus interviews:
COOK LAKE – City of Alexandria
Nov. 10, 10 a.m.
ARMISTEAD POINTE POND – City of Hampton
Nov. 24, 10 a.m.
SHIELDS LAKE – City of Richmond
Dec. 1, 10 a.m.
CLEMMONS LAKE – City of Lynchburg
Dec. 1, 10 a.m.
If you are interested in participating, please RSVP to Shelby Crouch by 3 p.m. the business day before. Exact stocking locations will be given after RSVP. Participants should wear warm clothing and comfortable shoes. Be mindful that participants may get wet while stocking. Scheduled dates are subject to change.
*Population estimates based on 2020 census.