(February 23, 2004) – Anglers can continue to fish for trout in Dolese Youth Park Pond even though trout season will officially come to an end on February 29.
A few rule changes will apply after the season ends. The daily catch limit for trout will remain at six per day, but anglers will be allowed to use up to three rods per person. And a regulation allowing adults to fish the pond without a child will continue to be in effect until March 31.
According to City Fisheries Biologist Bob Martin, the last of five trout stockings for the season took place on February 19. More than 1,500 trout were added to the pond, raising the total number of trout stocked through the 2004 season to approximately 9,000.
“During the 2003 trout season, we estimate 87% of the trout were caught over 18,000 angler-hours. We hope people will continue to fish Dolese Youth Park Pond on into the spring,” said Martin.
Dolese Park Pond and the rainbow trout season are part of the “Close to Home” fishing program sponsored by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) and the Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation Department. Thanks to a contribution from BancFirst, Dolese Youth Park Pond will host another trout season in 2005.
City fishing permits are $12.50 for an annual permit or $2 for a daily permit. State fishing licenses are $20 annually. Children under 16 are not required to have a City permit or state license. A trout stamp is not required to fish for trout in Dolese Youth Park Pond. For more information, call 755-4014 or 325-7288.