Texas Rainbow Trout Fishing - Community Lakes

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's (TP&WD) Trout Stocking Program provides recreational fishermen an opportunity to fish for Rainbow Trout in the Lonestar State. Each Winter, community lakes and ponds throughout Texas are stocked with hatchery-raised trout.

Closest to our team's homebase is Collin County in which four community lakes are planned for stocking with trout during the 2009-2010 Season. The community lakes are Bethany Park Pond C in Allen, Commons Pond in Frisco, Towne Lake in McKinney, and Whitley Pavillion Pond in McKinney.

First stocking in Collin County is Bethany Park Pond C in Allen. The scheduled stocking date is Friday, December 11, 2009 with 2,200 trout. Next is the Commons Pond in Frisco. The stocking date is February 14, 2010 with 2,750 trout. Then, Whitley Pavillion Pond (2,200 Trout) and Towne Lake (4,770 Trout) in McKinney scheduled for January 24, 2010 and February 7, 2010, respectively.

For directions to the lakes and updated stocking schedules, click-on TROUT STOCKING SCHEDULE. Included in the link is the state-wide trout stocking schedule that should prove useful for those looking outside the county for other trout fishing opportunities. Or, save a copy for those who are planning to travel over the holidays. There could be a trout fishing opportunity waiting at your travel destination.

The Rainbow Trout, stocked in Collin County, are raised by the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC) in Athens. The trout are panfish-size, typically running between 8" to 9". However, a 10" plus size trout can be taken. No matter the size, the fishing is fun and the trout are great fighting on light tackle or flyfishing gear. So, put the dates on your calendar and plan to stop by and fish for these scrappy fish this Winter!

Bethany Lakes Park is located on the Northeast corner of the intersection of Allen Heights Drive and Bethany Drive in the city of Allen. It has several ponds, a fishing pier, a playground, picnic areas, and a Frisbee Golf Course.

The ponds contain Bluegill, Sunfish, Bass, Catfish, and Crappie. Bluegill and Sunfish are the prevalent fishes but Largemouth Bass are in fair enough number and size that they make things interesting.

Work the shallows for Bluegill and Sunfish early morning and evening in the Summer. Go for Bass by working shorelines in the Spring. In Winter, focus on the Rainbow Trout. For Catfish, any season is good with bread being a sure bet for a hook-up with one!

Bethany Lakes is a catch and release pond with exception of the Rainbow Trout. The catch and release regulation has been in effect for about three years. That said, the Bass seem to be doing well with 2-3 pounders caught and released regularly and an occasional 5-pounder observed. However, beware the Bass tend to stay "lock-jawed" during the spawn.

As for the Rainbow Trout, Bethany Lakes is the first of four community lakes to be stocked in Collin County. The trout are released in Pond C, also called the Upper Pond. And, with over 2,000 Rainbow Trout released, fishermen have an excellent chance to catch a limit of trout for the table. The daily bag limit for Rainbow Trout is five and requires a freshwater fishing licence. Also, anglers are limited to two fishing poles; new regulation for 2008.

So, take a break over the holiday's and make an effort to fish Bethany Lakes for a chance at Rainbow Trout!

Lake Lewisville Ecological Learning Area is located in Denton County and is a popular fishing spot for area fishermen. Within its borders are Lake Lewisville's tailrace that feeds into the Trinity River. It also has hiking trails, primitive camping, and canoeing/kayaking, and a river that provides an excellent opportunity for Rainbow Trout and White Bass/Hybrids in the Winter.

In the heart of the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex, LLELA feels isolated from the urban sprawl. Its river contains Bluegill, Sunfish, Bass, Catfish, Crappie, Carp, and White Bass/Hybrid with the White Bass/Hybrids and Rainbow Trout being the main attraction in Winter. Work the tailrace for White Bass/Hybrids. Walk downriver and fish the river bends for Rainbow Trout.

LLELA is a research area used by the University of North Texas. So, be sure to heed the special regulations. Some that come to mind include:
- No cast nets or fishing nets such as seines are allowed;
- Area is open only Fri-Sun from 7AM to 5PM in the Winter;
- And, access requires purchase of a day use fee.

Make an effort to fish Lake Lewisville Ecological Learning Area (LLELA) this Winter!

Getting There!
From the South:
- Drive north on I-35E through Lewisville
- Exit Valley Ridge (east) to the stoplight at Mill Street
- Turn left (north) on Mill Street and drive to Jones Street
- Turn right (east) on Jones Street and proceed east until Jones dead-ends at the LLELA front gate, at the junction of Jones Street and N. Kealy Avenue

From the North:
- Drive south on I-35E through Lewisville toward Dallas
- Exit Valley Ridge (east) to the stoplight at Mill Street
- Turn left (north) on Mill Street and drive to Jones Street
- Turn right (east) on Jones Street and proceed east until Jones dead-ends at the LLELA front gate, at the junction of Jones Street and N. Kealy Avenue

Waterloo Park Pond is located in the city of Denison (Grayson County). Small in size but big in action during the Winter Trout Stockings, it is a sure bet for Trout. Just heed the stocking schedule and target fishing trips to the pond within the first two weeks of a stocking. Better yet, plan trips within the first week of a stocking.

About 30 miles North of the Metroplex, Waterloo is distant enough to keep the crowds low which works out well as the pond is less than a 1/4 acre in size and looks more like an ornamental pond. It has sidewalks that border its shoreline and park benches.

When Trout fishing plan on bringing Corn, Bread, Cheese,and Salmon Eggs. Also, keep a supply of Powerbait in Orange and/or Chartruese. Fish the bottom with light tackle using the Carolina Rig described in the Tips Section.

We have on occasion taken Trout using fishing flies, Super Dupers, and Rooster Tails. But, have found that bait outfishes lures overall.

Check out Waterloo this Winter. If the Trout are not biting, then head to the larger lakes just South of the pond. Bass and Catfish are a good bet and back-up if the Trout decide to stay lockjawed.

Getting There!
From DFW:
- Drive north on Hwy 75 and head to Sherman.
- Pass through Sherman and continue to Denison.
- As you near Denison, take Exit 69 and proceed to the feeder road.
- Continue north on the feeder road to the intersection/overpass.
- Make a right at the intersection onto W. Morton Street.
- Proceed east on W. Morton Street for less than a 1/4 mile to an intersection.
- Turn right (south) at the intersection onto Lillis Lane.
- Proceed south on Lillis Lane for about a 1/2 mile to an intersection.
- Turn left (east) at the intersection onto Crawford Street.
- Proceed east on Crawford Street for about 3/4 miles an intersection.
- Turn right (south) at the intersection onto Waterloo Lake Drive.
- Proceed south on Waterloo Lake Drive for about a 1/4 mile.
- The parking area to the park will be on you right.

Once in the parking area, you will see Waterloo Lake to the west and the pond to the north just past the boat ramp.

Towne Lake is located in the city of McKinney (Collin County). It is comprised of a main lake and a small pond that are connected by a small channel. The lake contains Bass, Catfish, and Bluegill and is another convenient get away for area fisherman in the Metroplex.

In Winter, action heats up with the Trout Stocking conducted by Texas Parks and Wildlife and is kicked off by the Annual Trout Derby hosted by the city of McKinney.

Although the lake is large compared to the typical community pond, Trout are contained by netting to the back portion of the main lake, the small pond, and the channel. This greatly increases the chance at catching Trout and makes for a great time with the kids.

Suggested baits and lures vary each year. As a rule, bring Corn, Bread, Cheese,and Salmon Eggs. And, keep a supply of Powerbait in Orange and/or Chartruese. Fish the bottom with light tackle using the Carolina Rig described in the Tips Section.

Limits are the norm the first week of stocking. By the second week, plan to go early or late in the day/early evening as the bite slows mid-day. Be ready for light strikes giving line on the initial strike, and plan to set the hook quickly on the follow-up strike.

Getting There!
Refer to Mapquest Link Below.
Towne Lake - McKinney

Note: No scheduled Trout Stocking listed for 2009-2010 Season.

Community Park Pond A is located in the city of Rowlett (Dallas County). Comprised of two small ponds that hold Bass, Catfish, and Bluegill. It provides for a convenient get away for area fisherman in the Metroplex. In Winter, action heats up with the annual Trout Stocking conducted by Texas Parks and Wildlife.

Of the two ponds in the park, "Pond A" is the one to target for Trout. It is the pond that has a fishing pier and is nearest the parking and picnic area.

As each year is a gamble when it comes to Bait and Lures to use, better to be prepared like the Boy Scouts motto. Bring Corn, Bread, Cheese,and Salmon Eggs. And, keep a supply of Powerbait in Orange and/or Chartruese. Fish the bottom with light tackle using the Carolina Rig described in the Tips Section.

Limits are the norm the first week of stocking. By the second week, plan to go early or late in the day/early evening as the bite slows mid-day. Be ready for light strikes giving line on the initial strike, and plan to set the hook quickly on the follow-up strike.

Getting There!
Refer to Mapquest Link Below.
Community Park - Rowlett

"What are they biting on?" The first two weeks after release, the hatchery-raised trout readily take lures and fishing flies. Favored lures used by spin-fishermen are Super Dupers and Kastmasters in copper or gold. For flyfishermen, the Gold Ribbed Hares Ear Nymph, Black Ants, and Pheasant Tail Nymph produce. Favored colors are gray, brown, and black in sizes 10, 12, and 14.

By the third week, the trout prefer bait over lures. Extremely light strikes replace the feeding-frenzy behavior of the first two weeks. Tough to pinpoint the bait of choice, varying from year to year and week to week, be ready to change bait as the feeding pattern changes.

Consistent producers have been Corn, Bread, and PowerBait in Chartreuse and Orange. As a general rule, keep a can of Corn, a loaf of Bread, and jars of Chartreuse, Orange, and Pink PowerBait in your tackle box. Also, Cheese with Garlic, Marshmallows, and Salmon Eggs (Red) are good producers.

Regardless what bait you choose, be ready to change baits often. Once you find the right one, be prepared for some fast action!

Tip: If you don't have a ruler but want to measure a fish's length, use the paper money in your wallet as a ruler. Paper money is slightly longer than 6" and slightly wider than 2.5". So, the next time you land that HAWG, place a dollar next to it, and then take its picture. You now have a means to show your fishing buddies how big that trophy really was before you released it!

Carolina Rigged Corn Setup. We don't consider ourselves fishing experts but willingly provide information to others. The following suggestions are provided for your reference. Feel free to give them a try on your next outing.

"What bait are we using?" Normally we use Corn when fishing for Trout. It is cheap and works well after a trout stocking. We also keep Bread, Cheese with Garlic, Salmon Eggs, and Trout PowerBait on hand in case the Trout are selective. Since things change from year to year, one bait may outfish what worked the year before.

"How are we rigging our fishing poles?" We fish on the bottom using a Carolina Rig. We opt to fish on the bottom when we first arrive at a fishing area but will shift to fishing with a bobber or bubble float, casting lures, or flyfishing adjusting as the situation dicatates.

For your information, the illustration below details a Carolina Rigged Corn Set-up, the rig we use when fishing with Corn on the bottom.

Bubble-Fly Rig. Our team enjoys fishing, especially with flyfishing equipment. However, our casting ability does not match our passion for fishing. As a result, there are times when casting a fishing fly requires other methods than a traditional flyrod and reel.

One method we use is a Bubble-Fly Rig to cast fishing flies on spinfishing or spincasting gear (see illustration below). This rig can also be modified to cast other light weight artificials and baits. Note: The Nail Knot is placed below the Bubble; not above as when tying a Slip Bobber.

Also, by replacing the bubble with a weighted float and the fishing fly with a jig you will have a Float-Jig Rig. This rig has enabled us to cast jigs longer distances and prevent snags on rocks while fishing the tailrace at Denison Dam. Works well when the water is being released and the current is strong.

Illustration:

The Gold Ribbed Hares Ear Nymph is mentioned in the spotlight because of its trout catching ability. Limits have been taken on newly stocked Rainbow Trout consistently each year.

Fish it slowly just under the water's surface to entice trout to strike. The favored color is gray with size 10 or 12 being a consistent producer.

Best bet is to sight cast when trout are active on the surface. Else, work the deeper areas of the pond using a small split shot to fish the nymph deeper or switch to its bead head variant.

On the strike, immediately take in the slack and set the hook. Keep the line tight and bring the fish to shore.

FYI: Rumor is the Gold Ribbed Hares Ear Nymph closely simulates the Purina Chow Trout Fish Food that hatchery-raised trout are fed. May explain why it does so well the first two weeks after a trout stocking

Luhr Jensen's Super Duper is another trout producer. Fish it slowly, just under the water's surface, and be ready to trigger stikes. The favored color is Copper in size 1-1/4". Others work at times but Copper seems to work best each season.

When fishing Lake Lewisville Ecological Learning Area (LLELA), work the deeper pools and river bends on a slow retrieve and let the current work the lure's action.

On the strike, keep the line tight and bring the fish to shore. Be ready for last minute strikes as you reel the Super Duper in close to you.

Blakemore's Roadrunner is a jig to keep in your tacklebox and maintain at the ready for spawning White Bass.

Once you have limited out on Rainbow Trout, take a quick trip to one of the area feeder creeks and/or tailraces for the White Bass. As Winter arrives, White Bass will begin moving up the creeks.

When fishing the creeks, work the shallows and the current as the fish tend to congregate in these locations.

Tend to lighter weight jigs (i.e. 1/8oz) with the preferred colors being red/white and yellow/white in curly tail. Marabou also works well but the our Field Team has been indicating a preference for the curly tail.

When fishing from a boat, trolling is a sure bet for quickly locating schools. Once one is caught, drift the area and quickly cast a Roadrunner. Work the area until the school moves on. Only then move on upstream to locate other fishing areas.

Also, be ready for a fight with a bruiser Hybrid. There is always a chance to hook into a Hybrid Bass that will test your skill on light tackle.