How to Fish Rainbow Trout at Tyler Nature Center

(Tyler, Texas) One of the most relaxing and challenging things you can do at the same time is ... fish! Fishing is a sport that requires a lot of patience, persistence, and even more patience. People of all ages can pick up a pole, bait a hook, cast the line, and catch food for themselves.

While some types of fishing take practice and skill, others do not. I can recall being a small child watching my grandfather fish for rainbow trout by fly fishing in the Big Thompson River in the Big Thompson Canyon in Colorado. He'd stand in the river, cast that line back and forth, and eventually catch several fish, and we'd fry them up for dinner.

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What Is ‘Trails to Trout’?

You don't have to stand in a river in East Texas to catch rainbow trout as my grandfather did; all you need to do is stand on the shore of the pond at the Tyler Nature Center to reel in your own rainbow trout during 'Trails To Trout'. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is kicking off 2026 with a special fishing event to introduce kids to the world of rainbow trout fishing.

Where and When You Can Fish in Tyler

The pond at the Tyler Nature Center will be stocked with more than 900 rainbow trout. Kids and adults can cast their lines out for sport or harvesting on January 4 and January 10 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and all you need to bring is your fishing equipment and bait. If you're a new angler, no worries, TPWD staff will be on hand to assist you and introduce you to the world of fishing.

Anglers can keep up to five fish. Some ice will be available to keep your catch cool while you cast out for another!

Gear to Bring for Your Fishing Trip

Here's what's recommended to bring with you for your fishing excursion:

light-action rod and reel combination
small fishing hooks
light line (6 lb. test or less)
small bobbers (optional)
small split shot
bait - salmon eggs, whole kernel corn, marshmallows, small worms, or prepared
trout bait
small rooster-tail spinners

If you intend to keep trout, make sure to pack a stringer or small cooler.

Winter Trout Stocking Across Texas

More than 335,000 rainbow trout will be stocked at various locations throughout Texas this winter. Anglers are encouraged to catch their daily limit of five every day during the winter months.

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Filed Under: fishing, texas parks, texas parks and wildlife, TPWD, Tyler

Categories: East Texas News