PHOTO: A resident fishes at the Riverside Park duck pond Jan. 6.

Residents can once again catch rainbow trout at the Riverside Park duck pond.

The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department has stocked the duck pond with 850 rainbow trout. An additional 850 trout will be added to the pond in February.

TPWD is providing the trout at no cost to the City.

Residents may also be able to catch other species that live in the duck pond year-round, such as catfish, bluegill and crappie.

Regulations for duck pond fishing

The duck pond is governed by TPWD regulations for community fishing lakes:

• Only pole-and-line fishing is permitted (no net fishing).
• There is no size limit for any of the fish species currently in the duck pond.
• Anglers may keep no more than five fish per day. All fish species count toward this total.
• Residents should only keep fish that they intend to use. Unwanted fish should be released. It is illegal to discard unwanted fish. 
• A fishing license is required for all anglers 17 or older and for adults accompanying an angler under 17.

Fishing regulations are enforced by the Texas Game Wardens. To report a violation, call 800-792-GAME (4263).

For more information about fishing regulations and licensing, visit www.tpwd.texas.gov. 

Residents are also reminded that wade fishing is not allowed at the duck pond.

Be mindful of wildlife

Riverside Park is a natural area, and visitors should be respectful of ducks and other wildlife in the park.

Residents who wish to feed the ducks should use seedless grapes, chopped lettuce, birdseed, peas, corn or oats. Do not feed the ducks bread.

After fishing, residents should remove any fishing lines or lures that could harm wildlife.

Stay connected

To learn more about Parks & Recreation programs and facilities, visit www.victoriatx.gov/parks.