Trout anglers get an extra bonus this year as the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will stock additional hatchery-reared rainbow trout at seven sites from Feb. 22 to March 7.

TPWD has stocked upwards of 275,000 trout at 115 sites this season. TPWD has been stocking rainbow trout each winter since the 1970s, providing Texans a simple and economical opportunity to go fishing.

Catching these hungry fish can be easy, making the experience ideal for both novice anglers and kids. The fish will bite almost immediately after stocking and typically will take a variety of baits, from whole kernel canned corn or commercial soft bait to artificial flies and even small spinner baits.

A valid Texas freshwater fishing package is required to fish for trout. Youth ages 16 and younger and all anglers fishing from the bank in state parks are exempt from the fishing package requirement.

Schedule of supplemental rainbow trout stockings:

Blanco

• Feb. 27, Blanco State Park — 1,000

New Braunfels

• Feb. 22, Canyon Tailrace — 2,215 fish

• March 4, Canyon Tailrace — 2,215 fish (plus extra if available)

Llano

• Feb. 27, Llano River, Grenwelge Park — 1,200 fish