Hit the lake! Trout Fest 2024 encourages public to partake in January fishing fun
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It’s that time again to grab the tacklebox and hit the lake. Abilene Parks & Recreation Department kicks off the year with Trout Fest 2024.
This free event in partnership with Texas Parks & Wildlife brings the fun of fishing to all ages in the Abilene area.
Over 1000 rainbow trout will be stocked in the lake at Cal Young Park, 950 T&P Lane, for this contest.
Participants 17 and over are required to have a valid Texas fishing license to fish on the lake as a requirement to fish out of any public body of water in Texas.
Interested participants have two ways to participate with fishing contests being held on-site and virtually.
On-site Trout Fest
Abilene Parks & Recreation Department invites the community to come out to Cal Young Park on Saturday, Jan. 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Beginner and experienced fishermen are encouraged to try their luck at catching the prize.
Hotdogs will be provided for participants while supplies last.
Virtual Trout Fest
The virtual fishing event is open to participants from Jan. 10-15.
To enter the virtual contest, anglers must scan the event’s QR code on one of the signs at Cal Young Park or through the Parks & Recreation website and share the required information.
Competitors must share their name, age, email and a photo of the fish caught next to a measuring device. Catching a fish is not required to enter. If a fish is not caught, scan the QR code to keep track of the days you spend on the lake.
Individuals are welcome to fish as many times they want between Jan. 10-15.
Contest groups and categories, how to win
Prizes will be awarded for all categories and age groups on Jan. 19, 2024.
The age groups include 8 and under with an adult, 9-12 with an adult, 13-17 with an adult and 18 and older.
Categories to win include “Longest Trout,” “Biggest ‘Other’ Fish,” “Most Days Fished” and “Most Fish Caught.”
For another chance to win, share photos on social media (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) with the hashtag #TroutFest2024Abilene.
Participants also can enter the Trout Fest Giveaway online at www.myabileneparksandrec.com. Capture a picture of yourself or your family fishing at Cal Young Park for a chance to win fishing gear including new rods and tackle. Winners for the Trout Fest Giveaway will be announced Jan. 20.
Texas fishing licenses
Those wishing to fish who are 17 and older are required to have a Texas Fishing License by state law.
Texas Parks & Wildlife requirements and regulations for trout stocking include details on harvest regulations, license requirements and other locations and stocking dates.
Fishing licenses must include a freshwater fishing endorsement.
Tips to trout fishing from Texas Parks & Wildlife
According to the Texas Parks & Wildlife website, rainbow trout are easy to catch and make a great meal.
Anglers are suggested to use a light tackle and avoid a heavy line and ‘unnatural’ gear. Rainbow trout are sight predators and appreciate a fight, however heavy gear may spook them.
Common baits used to catch rainbow trout are often anything that mimics their natural or preferred food preferences like kernel corn, wigglers, manufactured trout bites or nibbles and crickets.
For more tips on fishing rainbow trout, read Winter Trout Stocking Program Angling Tips.
This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: Grab your rod and tacklebox, Trout Fest is back with fish to catch
