On the Dock with Rick Smith

01. Dec, 2010 0 Comments

Rainbows in Texas

The season’s first stocking of rainbow trout into the ponds and streams at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC) in Athens, TX, began December　1. These fish may be caught without a fishing license at the Center, plus tackle and bait are furnished. Anglers may harvest up to 5 fish for a single fee of $5.00. It’s estimated that around 5,000 trout will be stocked at the Fisheries Center. Complete information may be found at the Fisheries website, HYPERLINK “http://archive.tpwd.state.tx.us/tffc” http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/tffc. Make sure to check the TFFC calendar as the Center plans to close for repairs from December 13-20.

If you can’t make it to Athens, then check HYPERLINK “http://archive.tpwd.state.tx.us/troutstocking” http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/troutstocking for local stockings as Texas Parks and Wildlife will start their annual statewide stockings on December 10th. There is no minimum length, but the daily bag limit is 5 trout and anglers will need the $5.00 freshwater fishing stamp (included with all freshwater licenses). Anglers under 17 years of age are not required to have a license and don’t have to purchase the stamp. Also remember fishing is always free when fishing within a Texas State Park.

If this is your first time to fish for trout, you may be wondering what bait to use. Texas Parks and Wildlife officials recommend canned corn, worms or a variety of flies. Berkeley PowerBait Hatchery Formula Trout Nuggets also work well. Trout season runs until April 2011.

Nature in Lights

The 14th Annual Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area (BLORA) Nature in Lights trail on Lake Belton is now open. This 5 mile lighted trail with Christmas holiday scenes is a magical winter wonderland for kids of all ages to enjoy. Each evening from 5:30 pm to 11:00 pm the gates open at BLORA for the drive through display. There is a Santa’s Village on weekends with hot chocolate, homemade cookies, seasonal crafts and children can have their photograph taken with Santa Claus. Admission varies from $5.00 a car load to $40.00 for buses. Displays are open until January 2. Crowds can be heavy on weekends so if possible plan on a weeknight visit. For directions and complete details visit HYPERLINK “http://www.hoodmwr.com” www.hoodmwr.com.