Previously scheduled for this Sunday, the initial stocking of Hinkle &  Deegan Lake has been postponed to next Sunday, March 15. According to Bridgeport Parks and Recreation personnel, Indian Lakes Fisheries out of Elk View have advised that the current weather poses a two-point obstacle: Road conditions are not good for transporting fish and water temperature is too cold for successful stocking. In fact, most of the lake is frozen solid. 

 

The first stocking of the year is now set for noon-1 p.m. Sunday, March 15 as the first truckload of rainbow, brook, brown and golden trout arrives. 

 

Residents are welcome to attend the event, which has become an unofficial celebration of the onset of spring fishing season. 

 

Subsequent stockings have been rescheduled for Friday, March 26 and Friday, April 9. With all three combined stockings, about 3,500 pounds of trout will be added to the popular fishing spot. 

 

The lake now opens for angling daybreak, Saturday, March 21. 

 

To fish at Hinkle & Deegan Lakes, area residents must purchase a seasonal permit. With a cost of $21 each, permits are being sold this year only at Benedum Civic Center, said Parks and Recreation Deputy Director Joe Shuttleworth. The Civic Center's hours of operation vary, but typically doors are open 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. Before stopping by, call 304-842-8240. 

 

Necessary even if anglers have a West Virginia fishing license, permits are good for one year -through February 2016. More than 400 permits are purchased annually with proceeds going back into the program. Fishermen age 12 and under do not need to purchase a permit. Fishing cannot take place at Hinkle & Deegan Lakes until opening day, daybreak on Sat., March 21. 

 

 

Editor's Note: Above/cover photo was taken today by Randy Gum. Photos at left were taken at a past lake stockings.