CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – MassWildlife will begin stocking trout in Massachusetts lakes, rivers and ponds this month.
Massachusetts residents urged to take precautions as black bears emerge
Their goal is to stock brook, brown, rainbow, and tiger trout in 264 Massachusetts cities and towns. Stocking will begin the second week of March in the southeast. Other regions of the state will begin as soon as weather conditions will allow.
The trout are raised at five hatcheries, including four locations in western Massachusetts, Palmer, Belchertown, Sunderland, and Montague. The fish are bigger this year and better than ever, as MassWildlife has been producing larger trout by adjusting hatchery growing techniques. Less than 60% of stocked trout were over 12 inches just ten years ago, and now, over 80% of the fish measure over a foot.
Anyone 15 or older is required by the state to have a fishing license before casting your line. You can buy one on the state’s website .
Local News Headlines
Hot Plate Brewing Co. of Pittsfield named #3 Best New Brewery in USA Today poll
West Springfield real estate developer fined for violating property restrictions
Back-to-back hearings for Karen Read on Wednesday
“You can win more in Mass!” New Hampshire resident said after winning $4M on scratch ticket purchased in Somerville
WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. …