CLACKAMAS – The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will release more than 1.2 million rainbow trout at 96 sites around the agency’s Northwest Region in 2010.

“The trout stocking program enriches the lives of tens of thousands of Oregonians,” said Hal Boldt, fish liberation coordinator for ODFW’s Northwest Region.

Junction City Pond near Eugene was the first of 96 local fishing venues in the region to be stocked this year when an ODFW tanker released 350 one-pound fish on Monday.

“These are beautiful fish and will make a lot of people happy if they’re lucky enough to reel one in,” said Boldt.

ODFW releases rainbow trout ranging in size from “legals” about eight inches long to “trophies” that can weigh in excess of 10 pounds. The planters are produced by ODFW trout hatcheries at Alsea, Nehalem, Scio, Eugene, Oakridge and Maupin.

The Northwest trout stocking program covers 11 counties, including Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Lane, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Tillamook, Washington, and Yamhill. The cost of the program is covered primarily through the sale of Oregon fishing licenses.

The 2010 trout stocking schedule is posted on the ODFW website. Weekly updates can also be obtained by calling 971-673-6000, Option 2.

Stocking schedules for other regions of the state will be posted as they become available. Check the ODFW website for updates.

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