OHIO — Over the next three months starting March 15, Ohio's 71 public lakes and ponds will be stocked with rainbow trout. 

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources announced the first stocking will occur at Adams Lake in Adams County. A full list of stocking dates are available on the ODNR's website.

Around 80,000 rainbow trout will be dispersed across the state. All the fish are grown in Ohio hatcheries and measure about 10-13 inches long when they are released by the Division of Wildlife, according to ODNR. 

"By stocking these water areas throughout the state, anglers of all ages have the opportunity to get out and enjoy quality spring rainbow trout fishing in a family-friendly environment. The daily catch limit for inland lakes is five trout per angler with no minimum size limit," stated ODNR. 

Anglers who are 16 or older are required by Ohio law to have a fishing license in order to cast their lines in public waters. The 2022-23 fishing license is available now, which is valid for one year after purchase. 

ODNR also offers tips on how to capture rainbow trout among other species on its website.