DNR Loads Trout into Cedar Rapids Lake

The Department of Natural Resources dumped 1,500 trout into the Prairie Park Fishery Saturday.  The stocking was an effort by the DNR to promote ice fishing in the eastern part of the state.

"The trout are cool water fish, they do extremely well, you can catch them through the ice very well," said Paul Sleeper of the DNR, "There is other stuff out there too, but by adding 1,500 more we definitely increased the use of this area a lot."

Dozens of people took advantage of the process.  Some anglers floated fishing bobbers just a few feet from the launch site.

"I enjoy going to Northeast Iowa and fishing a lot and I didn't have to drive (there).  I got some fish to eat tonight so it's all good," said Larry Schladetzky, the first angler to reach the DNR's daily limit of five trout.

Sleeper said he was excited by the large turnout, but he wants everyone to know there are a lot of fish left in the lake.

The project is part of the DNR's Winter Urban Fishing Program.  Sleeper said they plan to stock about ten lakes across the state.

"What we are trying to do is increase other opportunities this time of year.  Some of the fish are starting to slow down a bit as it gets later in the fall," he said.

Anglers are reminded that they need to purchase a special tag in addition to their normal fishing license if they want to fish for trout.  The tag can be purchased at any local sporting retailer that sells fishing licenses.