Annapolis, Md. - The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will stock more than 27,000 trout into freshwaters across the State this month.

"Stocking dates and locations are dependent on water flow and temperatures. Based on current conditions, we anticipate stocking to proceed in many places beginning the second week of October," said Don Cosden, DNR's inland fisheries director. "All of the fish will be released by the first of November."

DNR will stock 24,500 rainbow and golden trout weighing an average of one pound each,1,500 brown trout averaging one pound each and 300 rainbow and golden trout between 2 to 3 pounds each. The Freshwater Institute, a research facility in West Virginia, is donating approximately 1,000 additional rainbow trout to this effort.

In most years, fall water temperatures allow trout stocking to occur in larger waterways, ponds and lakes such as the North Branch of the Potomac, Bear Creek, Town Creek, Blairs Valley Lake, Antietam Creek, Beaver Creek, Cunningham Falls Lake, Rainbow Lake, Greenbrier Lake, Morgan Run, Patapsco River, Big Gunpowder Falls, Great Seneca Creek, Wheatley Lake, Lake Artemesia, Greenbelt Lake, Big Elk Creek, Deer Creek and Tuckahoe.

"Recent rains from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee have provided consecutive boosts in water flow," said Cosden. "As the streams clear up, there will be excellent fishing conditions for early fall trout anglers."

Some of these hatchery-raised trout will find new homes in streams that have seasonal restrictions on keeping trout. Please consult the 2011 Maryland Fishing Guide or visit dnr.md.gov/fisheries for regulations and places to fish.

DNR's trout stocking information telephone line, 1-800-688-3467, will be updated weekly beginning October 1 so that anglers may find out if their favorite area has been stocked. Stocked areas will also be posted online at dnr.md.gov/fisheries once stocking is complete.