Trout stocking delayed because of warm temperatures

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Missouri Department of Conservation announced on Thursday that winter trout stocking has been delayed because of “unseasonably warm temperatures.”

The state stocks rainbow trout in urban lakes around the state around the first week of November, the release says. The typically stock more than 70,000 trout in more than 30 urban lakes.

“Trout are a cold-water species and require water temperatures around 55 to 60 degrees,” MDC Hatchery Systems Manager Clint Hale was quoted in the release. “Entering waters warmer than what they’re accustomed to can be a shock to their system, ultimately resulting in their death.”

Cosmo-Bethel is one of five lakes in Mid-Missouri that are stocked by the MDC. Regulations vary by lake and season. A fishing license with a trout stamp is required. Stocked lakes in Mid-Missouri include Veterans Park Lake in Fulton, McKay Park Lake in Jefferson City, Kiwanis Lake in Mexico and Lake Minesa in Marshall

Tamara Miller, of the Columbia Parks and Recreation Department, told ABC 17 News in an email that the department was notified about the delay on Thursday. Miller said the department was told stocking could occur in the second week of November, but it’s dependent on water temperatures.

A similar delay occurred in 2024.