Trout being released across Texas

By JULIET BRISKIN | Central Texas Edition

James Lee and his son Ramses, 4, take advantage of the newly stocked pond at Buena Vista Park in Waco. The two were having great success and quickly reached their bag limit of five. -Staff photo by Briskin

December 27, 2001 -- On Thursday, Dec. 20, Texas Parks and Wildlife Fisheries Department in conjunction with the city of Waco Parks and Recreation Department released close to 900 Rainbow Trout in the Buena Vista Park pond in Waco.

According to Nora Schell of the City of Waco the purpose of the trout release is to give the people of Waco and the surrounding areas opportunities to participate in outdoor recreation activities.

"The city of Waco purchases the fish from TPW and they deliver them to the park for us," she explained. "Buena Vista Park is the only park in Waco with fishing access for the public. Anyone can come out here and fish. The park is also handicap accessible."

Schell reminds fishermen and women that they must have a fishing license and a Freshwater Trout stamp. There is not a minimum length limit, but the daily bag limit is five trout.

Another Trout release is scheduled for Jan. 11. On Saturday Jan. 12 the City of Waco is hosting a Kid Fishing Derby at the Buena Vista Park pond for children ages 5-12 and prizes will be awarded to the child that catches the most fish. Contact Nora Schell at 254-750-8057 for more information.