TROUT FISHING OPPORTUNITIES AWAIT ANGLERS: OH

Lottery entry forms available online at ohiodnr.com

COLUMBUS, OH -- Controlled trout-fishing opportunities on Cold
Creek, one of Ohio's most unique streams, will again await fly-fishing
enthusiasts who enter a special lottery conducted by the Ohio Department of
Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.
A half-mile section of the creek, located at the Castalia State Fish
Hatchery in Erie County, will again be open to a limited number of anglers
from April 5 through October 29 this year. Those interested in fishing the
stream must submit an application form, along with a non-refundable $3
application fee, before March 1 in order to be eligible for the random
drawing. Forms are available for download on the ODNR Division of Wildlife
web site at ohiodnr.com. Postcards will no longer be accepted for the
drawing. Completed forms and application fees should be mailed to: Castalia
Trout Fishing, c/o Division of Wildlife, 1840 Belcher Dr., Columbus, Ohio
43224. Successful applicants will be notified by mail of their fishing
dates.
There will be two seasons: one for adults (April 5 through June 4
and August 23 through October 29), and one for youths under the age of 16
(June 7 through August 20). Individuals selected for either drawing will be
allowed to bring two other adults and three youths under the age of 16 (six
people total).
Special fishing rules will be in effect for this event to ensure
that a quality fishing experience is maintained throughout the season. One
of these special rules prohibits catch and release fishing, with wildlife
officials requiring that anglers keep all fish they catch. The daily bag
limit will be five trout per angler.
Anglers will be required to check in at the hatchery upon arrival
and check out at the end of their session. Fishing sessions will be open
from 7 a.m. to noon. Anglers 16 years of age and older will need a valid
2004 Ohio fishing license. An Ohio resident annual fishing license for 2004
costs $19; a one-day fishing license costs $11. Those who purchase a one-day
fishing license may later return it to a license agent to receive credit
toward purchase of an annual fishing license.

Source: ODNR