Jim Muck or Meghan Collins (541) 440-3353

ROSEBURG – Trout that were to be stocked in local reservoirs for spring break fishing are not up to legal size and will not be stocked until April, the Umpqua District of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announced today.

According to District Fish Biologist Jim Muck, cold weather in January and February kept water at Rock Creek Hatchery below optimal temperatures for raising trout.

“The trout are several weeks behind in their growth because of the cold water,” Muck said. “About half of the trout planned for release in area reservoirs are legal-sized and the others are six to seven inches. It’ll take a couple more weeks of a stepped-up feeding program to get them to legal size.”

These fish will be stocked in Ben Irving, Cooper Creek, Galesville, and Plat I reservoirs, Herbert’s Pond and Loon Lake the week of April 9.

People interested in spring break fishing can still fish these waters for hold-over trout or warmwater fish such as largemouth bass. Cooper Creek anglers might even catch one of the trophy-sized trout that were stocked for the fishing derby in February. In addition, coastal lakes and Lake Marie have already been stocked with trout

The mission of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is to protect and enhance Oregon's fish and wildlife and their habitats for use and enjoyment by present and future generations. The agency consists of the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission, a commission-appointed director and a statewide staff of approximately 950 permanent employees. Headquartered in Salem, ODFW has regional offices in Clackamas, Roseburg, Bend, and La Grande with ten district offices located throughout the state. For additional information, please visit www.dfw.state.or.us.