Prolonged subfreezing temperatures and ice have delayed a fresh stocking of rainbow trout in community lakes in the Kansas City area.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) says it stocks trout several times during winter in partnership with local communities. Anglers then have a chance to catch a cold-water fish species in a close-to-home fishing opportunity.

Current weather conditions have delayed a February stocking MDC fisheries management biologist Jake Colehour said. More trout will be stocked once temperatures rise to near or above freezing.

Lakes stocked with rainbow trout in the Kansas City area include:
· Coot and Plover lakes, MDC’s James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area at Lee’s Summit.
· Chaumiere Lake, Kansas City Parks and Recreation.
· Capitol Federal Sports Complex, Liberty.
· Johnston Lake, Raymore.
· Jesse James Park Lake, Kearney.
· Cleveland Lake, Belton.

Trout were stocked last autumn in Honker Pond at the James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area for fishing by youths age 15 or under. They may keep trout up to a limit of four if they have a Missouri trout permit.

Missouri residents over age 15 and under 65 need a valid fishing permit. Nonresidents over 15 need a state fishing permit.

Anglers wishing to keep the trout they catch also need a Missouri trout fishing permit.

The most up-to-date information on MDC’s winter trout stockings in the KC metro area is available by calling the trout hotline at (816) 525-0300, press 2 at the recorded prompt.