The Stream Doctor

January 31st, 2005

Email YOUR Questions directly to the Stream Doctor. This is your opportunity to get an experts professional opinion on anything stream related.


Q. When trout are stocked in a stream, how long does it take for them to feel comfortable and start feeding on the insects in their environment?

A. Well, I don't know if I can answer this question with any specific data, but I can offer some observations. I've seen folks start casting into the water just as soon as the hatchery truck pulled away - and catch fish. Now this might not qualify as "being comfortable" or "feeding on the insects in their environment," but it does indicate that they will feed and take flies.

Many years ago (don't ask) my Dad and I fished Ohio Cr. on a ranch in southwestern Colorado. The trout were voracious, taking flies readily. We were thinking that we were pretty good anglers until the rancher told us that the hatchery truck was there the day before! These fish were taking flies the day after they were stocked.

If you have a question, please feel free to contact me.
~ C. E. (Bert) Cushing, aka Streamdoctor
105 W. Cherokee Dr.
Estes Park, CO 80517
Phone: 970-577-1584
Email: streamdoctor@aol.com

The 'Stream Doctor' is a retired professional stream ecologist and author, now living in the West and spending way too much time fly-fishing. You are invited to submit questions relating to anything stream related directly to him for use in this Q & A Feature at streamdoctor@aol.com.


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