Included in each of the next five regularly scheduled stockings of trout at the Lower Mountain Fork River will be an additional 1,200-1,500 fish.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is providing the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation with the additional rainbow trout to help offset the impacts caused by dams on Oklahoma waters.

Wildlife Department personnel will pick up the fish at the Greers Ferry Fish Hatchery in Arkansas and then release them into the LMFR trout fishery for anglers to enjoy.

The Lower Mountain Fork River is a year-round trout fishery that supports excellent angling throughout the seasons thanks to water releases from Broken Bow Lake that feed the river and keep its waters cold enough to support the biological needs of trout. Trout are not native to Oklahoma, but year-round fisheries are possible at the Lower Mountain Fork and Lower Illinois rivers. Additionally, seasonal fishing opportunities are available at wintertime trout fishing destinations across the state.

To view the regular, bi-weekly trout stocking schedule and specific regulations for all the state's trout waters, including the LMFR, log on to wildlifedepartment.com or consult the current "Oklahoma Fishing Guide." The website also includes tips on how to catch trout as well as a wealth of information about the state's streams restoration program, which works to provide healthy streams and better trout angling in Oklahoma.

To fish for trout, anglers need an appropriate state fishing license.

News Source: Oklahoma DWC - Jan. 20, 2011