Trout Stocking

[Steve Franklin]

Does anyone know how trout stocking is done in VA? Maybe someone who has done some stocking can tell me. It looks like all the fish are dumped in one or two spots on the stream. When I fished PA the stocking guys walked down the stream and released trout along the way, but that 's not what it looks like here.
Thanks, Steve

[ictalurus]

The stocking trucks I've seen are kind of big. The places where I fished around VA Tech often had a lot of road access or at least areas where they could throw the fish into the river from the truck, which is a sight to see. It probably depends on the stream. I've seen places like you mentioned, but they didn't have much roadside access. The fish usually dispersed after a couple days, if there were many left.

[Salmo trutta]

In MD they will walk a varied distance from the parking area with 5 gallon buckets. The more people they have helping them, the further they can spread out the fish. Any path or road paralleling the stream will allow them to drive the truck down but for the most part the fish are placed in the first few pools. Some may spread out but most stay put and get caught quickly. Some streams however are float stocked and usually with the help of trout unlimited. Get a hold of the local chapter and see what areas they float stock.

[Art77]

VDGIF publishes stocking daily both online and b y phone. Go to their web site.

[Art77]

To answer your actual question, it depends. Sometime, they have TU or other volunteer help. Sometimes, a road follows the stream. Sometimes, they are not in a rush. Friday only comes once a week. I've helped stock Accotink Creek and Holmes Run several times. The fish were spread out evenly. Another time when no volunteers were there and time must have been short, it seems that all fish were put in one pool.

[golfinjoe24]

This is a good one, Big Hunting Creek

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/9KacAIgRRvo&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/9KacAIgRRvo&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

[jnashed]

I witnessed one stocking and they just pulled the truck next to the stream and emptied the trout in one place. Not a lot of distance was walked at all. I think it varies from place to place and who is putting the trout in though.

Jim

[golfinjoe24]

Owens might be in the vid also

[Steve Franklin]

Thanks for all the info. I guess the best way to insure that the stocking is done right is to volunteer to help stock!
Steve