KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- 1500 fresh rainbow trout have found a new home at Spur Pond in Kirksville.
    
Westover Farms just outside of Steelville, Missouri trucked in the trout Monday.
    
Spur Pond is stocked with trout once a year.  This gives fishers a variety of species to catch.
    
Even though it's getting cold outside, trout are most active in the winter.

“It brings some variety in the fishing.  We're the only public trout fishery, winter trout fishery in Northeast Missouri.  The closest other trout fishery would be Mexico,” said Fishers Biologist Mike Anderson.

The contract with Westover Farms requires the fish to be a certain size.

“80% range between ¾ lb to 1 lb.  20% can range up to 3 lbs.  And you probably saw some of those nicer fish that went in there.  They're real nice trout.  People will be really happy,” said Anderson.

The trout cost approximately 1500 dollars split between the city of Kirksville and the Missouri Department of Conservation.

“The catch and release season runs from November 1st through January 31st, that's to recycle the fish.  It's catch and release, artificial lures only, that's for all species of fish.  Of course, you need a fishing permit if you're over 15 or under 65,” said Anderson.

Starting in February you can harvest four fish a day if you have the proper permit.

For more information on the rules and regulations, click here.