HOUSTON– Just in time for rainbow trout season, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is opening two new Neighborhood Fishin’ lakes in north and southeast Houston to offer fun and convenient fishing opportunities to families in the city.

“Fishing is a great ‘gateway’ activity to increase interest in the outdoors, and it’s an excellent way for friends and families to make memories and connect in nature,” said Mark Webb, TPWD Inland Fisheries District Supervisor for Houston-College Station. “Because they are located close to home in urban areas, Neighborhood Fishin’ lakes are the most convenient way for Houston-area families to get started fishing or for experienced anglers to share the enjoyment of fishing with a child or friend.”

Starting Nov. 30, these lakes will be stocked with hundreds of rainbow trout every two weeks to provide families with fishing fun throughout the winter. The fish are easy to catch and the perfect size to eat for those interested in preparing a nutritious, lake-to-table meal.

One of the new Neighborhood Fishin’ lakes is located in southeast Houston, at Burke Crenshaw Park in Pasadena; and the other is in north Houston at Herman Little Park, between Aldine and Spring. Both lakes feature small fishing piers and paved or natural shoreline trails for bank fishing access. The two new lakes bring the total number of Neighborhood Fishin’ lakes in the Houston area to four, including Community Park Lake located southwest of Houston in Missouri City and Mary Jo Peckham Park in Katy.

“Houston is the most populous city in Texas and one of the most diverse cities in the country, and as it continues to grow it’s becoming increasingly important to provide access to nature for families in the city’s urban and suburban areas,” Webb said. “With the addition of the two new Neighborhood Fishin’ lakes, high-quality fishing opportunities will now be available to families year-round all across the city.”

In addition to being managed for high quality fishing, Neighborhood Fishin’ lakes are located in parks with ample parking, restrooms, lighting and plentiful recreational amenities to ensure an enjoyable experience for the whole family.

Families who want to get started fishing at a Neighborhood Fishin’ lake can find stocking dates, tips on getting started, and fishing license information at neighborhoodfishing.org.

In Texas, kids under 17 fish free, but a fishing license is required for adults. Fishing licenses cost as little as $11 for resident one-day, all-water access. They are available for purchase at local retailers or at tpwd.texas.gov/buy. All revenue goes toward keeping fish and local water bodies healthy and thriving. People can catch up to five rainbow trout per day, with no length limits.

The Neighborhood Fishin’ program is supported by proceeds from the Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest, Sport Fish Restoration funds, and local partners including the Timber Lane Utility District, Pasadena Parks and Recreation, Harris County Precinct 3 and Missouri City Parks and Recreation.