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.
Originally published January 31st, 2005 on Fly Anglers Online by Robert Younghanz.