Mount Vernon’s Ariel-Foundation Park is one of 90 locations statewide that will be stocked with rainbow trout this spring by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
The restocking effort at Ariel-Foundation Park, located at 10 Pittsburgh Avenue in Mount Vernon, is scheduled for March 19.
The rainbow trout will be stocked at the first pond on the left where Norton Street comes to a dead end within the park.
Rainbow trout are stocked March through May across Ohio in various public lakes and ponds, providing anglers with numerous fishing opportunities.
The Division of Wildlife stocks these fish near metropolitan areas, ensuring accessible fishing for many anglers.
Rainbow trout will also be stocked in other popular fishing locations in ODNR's District 1 regions, which includes Knox County and surrounding areas.
In Franklin County, these include Heritage Park, Westgate Park Pond, Linden Park Pond, Franklin Park Pond, Schiller Park Pond, Goodale Park Pond, Antrim Lake and Krumm Park Pond.
Delaware County will have rainbow trout stocked at Delaware State Park Pond, Ashley Upground Reservoir, and Sunbury Upground Reservoir.
In Morrow County rainbow trout will be stocked at Mt. Gilead Lake and in Union County at Harry Wolfe Park.
Rainbow trout will also be stocked at Quarry Park in Morrow County, Cenci Park Lake in Fairfield County, Mirror Lake in Licking County and Eyman Park in Fayette County.
According to the ODNR, the best time to catch trout is within two weeks of stocking, as they are sensitive to warm temperatures.
The daily limit for anglers is five rainbow trout, and fishing is allowed with a valid Ohio fishing license, which costs $25 annually or $14 for a one-day license.
Licenses can be purchased online, through the HuntFish OH app or from participating agents. Before fishing, anglers should check the 2025-26 fishing regulations to ensure compliance.
