Stocking Ponds

[FishingPops]

Anyone know when they stock the trout ponds or has it happened already(Chaska Courthouse)? I was talking to my kids about it and they wanted to see it happening.

Thanks!

[Renneberg]

FishingPops, shoot a email to the DNR. They should be able to help you.

The DNR usally stocks trout the week before the summer and winter opener on lakes.

[FishingPops]

Thanks for the idea. I emailed the DNR and am waiting for a response. I will let you know if they respond.

[TroutGuy]

hey fishingpops! did u hear anything the DNR yet? when can we fish on that pond behind their building?

[FishingPops]

They never returned my email. I will try calling tomorrow if I have time. I believe opener is this Saturday and the hours are 1 hour before sunrise until 11 p.m. Seasons runs until October 31st. No live bait also. Anyone let me know if I don't have it right.

Thanks!

[TroutGuy]

I walked to the pond yesterday. Saw the sign and it says the opener for that pond is 3rd Saturday of May before Memorial Weekend. So would that be Saturday May 19th?

[FishingPops]

Here is what I found on the DNR HSOforum:

05/12/07 - 10/31/07 Stream Trout Summer season in lakes

Also, I called the DNR today and they said it was stocked yesterday. However, the stocking truck broke down on the way there and he thought the mortality rate might be higher than normal due to the change in water temps.

Good luck if you go! I have never tried it but got my trout stamp this year and will be taking my 8 & 10 year olds.

[Zenit]

Quote:

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Also, I called the DNR today and they said it was stocked yesterday. However, the stocking truck broke down on the way there and he thought the mortality rate might be higher than normal due to the change in water temps.

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Are you kidding?? Wow, what a major bummer

[slipperybob]

Does that mean that we'll see a bunch of trout floating on top of the water?...Or do they just sink down to the bottom?

[FishingPops]

I just went by during lunch and walked around the pond. I didn't see any dead fish. Maybe they all made it?? I did see a hawk on a tree next to the water. Maybe he got a couple of dead ones??

[slipperybob]

Well gonna make the Chaska excursion and fight elbow to elbow...for a few trout, LOL's. Maybe this will be the year to hook a laker...

[FishingPops]

Gave the Courthouse Pond a try on Saturday morning. Got there at 6 a.m. with my 10 y.o. It was already crowded but most people were pleasant and friendly and we grabbed a spot on shore. I found out I know nothing about catching a trout. We tried bobbers with either wax worms or parts of an earth worm for a couple of hours with no luck. It seemed like the people around us either were doing well or else catching none. Going to give it another try later this week.

It was fun anyway. Hope others had better luck!!

[benducklow]

I've been meaning to try for some trout over there... I'd be curious to see if people were using just worms off the bottom or with a slip bobber...Even though I never caught trout in a lake, I'd like to try!

[slipperybob]

I've already replied the the courthouse thread...but I also saw a big rainbow swimming about maybe about 24 inches guestimate. I also saw a really big wake of a fish chasing another fish for a few meters...I wonder what that was? A big laker or a pike? Maybe a big bucketmouth but not likely at the wake, no splash boil.

[rwwong]

Has anyone seen any people using flyrods, sink tip, and stripping nymphs?

[HossFisher]

slipperbob, i'm guessing that what you saw was either a big brown (many many big ones in there), or like you thought a laker (not as common but i have seen them caught). There is a slim amount of pike and bass in there and i have yet to see one caught. My guess would be a big ol' brown. My personal best is a 24incher that i would estimate 6 or 7 lbs. I have even seen bigger pulled out of there. Heard rumor from a guy that he caught an 8 and a 9 lber when i was fishing down there last year.

[slipperybob]

The rainbow I saw is for sure a rainbow - clear bright pink strip. I've also seen a fairly large bass in the lake a few years ago, about 18 inches. It followed my spinner several times but didn't strike. You know how the bass is still closed season so I couldn't purposely tie on a power worm or bass lure something, it would be wrong and illegal. I did catch a little northern once only about 14-15 inches so. The wake that I saw is all so unusual.

Do big browns eat other little trout?

[Rugbyguy]

Brown Trout love to eat other trout!

[slipperybob]

If that's the case then I should throw my trout pattern rapala! I'll give that a shot next time.