MASON TOWNSHIP - The Ohio Department of Natural Resources will release 1,000 rainbow trout into Timber Ridge this spring.

Thursday, February 21, 2002

MASON TOWNSHIP - The Ohio Department of Natural Resources will release 1,000 rainbow trout into Timber Ridge this spring.

According to information from ODNR officials, the trout will be released on March 13 into the lake, which is operated by Wayne National Forest. The fish will measure between 10 to 13 inches in length and anglers are limited to catching five trout per day.

The state will release more than 80,000 rainbow trout throughout 39 Ohio waterways from March through May in order to enhance public fishing opportunities, officials say. Trout will be released in lakes in some other surrounding counties including Forked Run Lake in Meigs County, Dow Lake in Athens County, Jackson City Reservoir in Jackson County, Turkey Creek Lake in Scioto County, and Rose Lake in Hocking County.

Becky Ewing, fisheries biologist for Wayne National Forest, said that for the last two years, the state agency has stocked the lake with the hatchery-raised trout. She said the local lake provides a good habitat for the trout, adding that Timber Ridge is unique compared to some other lakes.

She explained that in the summer months, most lakes lose oxygen as the water temperature increases. Studies conducted on Timber Ridge, however, show that even during the summer months there are still areas in the lake that maintains the correct oxygen levels and temperature – about 70 degrees or less – to keep the trout satisfied.

The 2002-2003 fishing licenses are also for sale now. The new license will cost $15 and is required by March 1. The license is good through Feb. 28, 2003.

For people who only make periodic fishing trios, the state is offering a one-day fishing license for both residents and non-resident anglers. This license costs $7. The cost for the one-day license can be used as credit toward the annual license, if necessary.

Anglers age 16 and older are required to have a fishing license. Those age 66 and older may obtain a free fishing license where licenses are sold.