Question - Why Does the State Use Rainbow Trout

Type: Nontidal
Region: Southern
Location: Allen's Pond

I have a question about trout stocking. I fish primarily at Allen�s Pond in Bowie. I�ve noticed that all the trout stocked are rainbows. I was wondering if there was a particular reason that only rainbows are stocked. I�ve always thought brook trout were the prettiest. Even a small percentage of brookies mixed in would make a great bonus catch.

DNR's Response (by Southern Region Manager Mary Groves):
Hi Mr. Fry. We only raise rainbow trout for our put-and-take trout stocking program because rainbow trout can tolerate the pH and temperature changes better than brook or brown trout. Brook trout, in particular, require cool, clear water and would not last in our Southern Maryland ponds very long. The rainbows that we stock are actually a warm-water strain. This can be rather misleading, though, because they will still die once water temperatures exceed 70 degrees or so. Sometimes it appears that they survive beyond that temperature threshold, but some of our ponds have small cool-water springs that we can�t see. While these springs can prolong the life of some trout, they all will eventually succumb to high water temperatures that occur in late to mid summer. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Best Regards, Mary Groves