COLUMBUS, OH - Approximately 25,000 rainbow trout, measuring 10 to 13-inches in length, will be released into 25 Ohio waterways this October, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

"This annual stocking provides excellent opportunities for anglers to continue fishing through the fall all across Ohio," said Elmer Heyob, hatcheries program administrator with the Division of Wildlife.

The trout stocking program targets small inland waters, including state and community park lakes, as well as other easy-access lakes throughout the state. Anglers age 16 and older must have an Ohio fishing license. Fishing licenses can be purchased online at wildohio.com and at any of the many license vendors around the state. Ohio residents who were born on or before December 31, 1937 may obtain a free license from any license vendor or from the division's website.

The 2008 annual resident fishing license costs $19 and is valid through February 28, 2009. A one-day fishing license may be purchased for $11. The one-day license may also be redeemed for credit toward purchase of an annual fishing license during the same license year.

Additional information about fall trout releases is available from Division of Wildlife district offices in Akron, Athens, Columbus, Findlay and Xenia; or by calling toll free 1-800-WILDLIFE.