News Spring trout stocking has begun!

MassWildlife will stock nearly 500,000 brook, brown, rainbow, and tiger trout across Massachusetts this year—nearly 470,000 will be stocked during the early spring. Visit Mass.gov/trout to get daily stocking updates and find a fishing spot near you. Stocking in southeastern waters started March 6 and other regions of the state will begin as soon as weather conditions allow. MassWildlife raises trout that are both fun to catch and delicious to eat at its five hatcheries in Sandwich, Palmer, Belchertown, Sunderland, and Montague.

"Anglers can look forward to another outstanding trout fishing season. Thanks to the year-round work of our dedicated staff, the quality and size of the fish we are stocking this spring is exceptional," said Dr. Caleb Slater, MassWildlife's Chief of Hatcheries. "MassWildlife stocks these trout in more than 220 cities and towns across the Commonwealth, which helps make great fishing opportunities more accessible to anyone who enjoys the outdoors."

2023 spring trout stocking stats:

• Most of the trout will be over 12 inches
• More than 175,000 rainbow trout will be over 14 inches
• More than 51,000 brook trout will be over 12 inches, including 300 18”+ retired brood fish
• 50,000 brown trout will be over 12 inches, including nearly 700 18”+ retired brood fish
• More than 2,500 tiger trout will be over 14 inches

Remember to buy your freshwater fishing license before you hit the water. Buy online at MassFishHunt or by visiting a license vendor location.