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Trout fishing is not a typical winter sport in Texas, but if you live in Mount Pleasant, or anywhere else in Northeast Texas, trout fishing is alive and well during these cold winter months thanks to a program with Texas Parks and Wildlife and the City of Mount Pleasant.
Heritage Park Lake was stocked just before Christmas with 1,000 rainbow trout, and another 1,000 will be added later in January, and Director of Parks and Recreation, Ricky Harris, says now is the perfect time to go to the lake and catch some trout.
Harris told the Tribune that the city partners with TPW to help provide a winter time fishing opportunity for those who love the sport. He noted that trout fishing is not typical in Texas, but the chance to do so is now possible thanks to the city and the program.
Carl Kittle, the program director for Texas Parks and Wildlife, stated in his letter to the city that the goal of the program is to provide winter time fishing opportunities for urban areas and to provide support for educational fishing programs. This program began in 1994, and the City of Mount Pleasant has participated for the last several years.
Harris stated that the city paid $1.65 each for the first 1,000 trout, and the second thousand will be given to the city free of charge by TPW.
Harris said, “We see people out there fishing and catching fish and we are glad to make that possible and hope to see more out there.”
He also noted that they post the re-stocking videos to the city’s Facebook page, to let people know when the trout are there and ready to catch.
Since these rainbow trout are not common in Texas, TPW offers some useful hints to help those out at Heritage Park.
According to the TPW website, the best way to appreciate the fight of these feisty fish is by using light tackle. Light tackle is also beneficial; as these fish are sight predators, meaning that heavy gear in clear waters may spook them when they encounter it. If something appears unnatural or excessive, chances are they will avoid biting it. Avoid heavy line, large snap swivels, weights, wire leaders and hooks, or a combination of these (normally used in saltwater applications). The main idea is to keep it simple .
The following are some basic recommendations forgear: •Rods–Lightto ultra-light action rods in the 5- to 6.5-ft rangearethebestfitforthejob. •Reels – For beginners, a closed-face spinning reel (push-button) is always an easy way to start. For the more advanced user, an open-face spinning reel is the best way to go. Line ranging from 4- to 10-pound test is preferred. You want some strength to fight this feisty fish and prevent breakage, but in clear waters, the lighter line is harder to see by the fish.
Sinker weights help the bait sink to a desired level in the water column; they also aid your casting distance. Splitshot weights are most common for this application since they are easily attached and detached from the fishing line. There are hundreds of types and brands available when you shop for hooks. For this application, it is best to stay with small bait hooks. There are specialized #10 and #12 circle hooks for trout available at tackle shops.
As mentioned, rainbow trout naturally feed on many food types, including prepared fish feed when raised in hatcheries. Therefore anything that mimics their natural or prepared food preferences tend to work well.