Trout stocked in Vermilion

VERMILION — Steelhead trout have some growing to do. About 16,000 yearling steelhead were stocked into the Vermilion River during the annual event at the city boat launch on Friday. The fish were raised at the Castalia State Fish Hatchery. Community members, along with a first-grade and two second-grade classes from Vermilion Elementary School, watched as the fish were released. "It shows how much the fish mean to our community," Vermilion Mayor Russell Owens said. Owens thanked the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for the fish. He noted how fish are the "lifeblood of the city." Owens wanted the younger kids in attendance to understand how the fish have a tough journey ahead of them. He shared a message with the children. "In life, you'll face difficult challenges that feel just as hard," Owens said. "But like the fish, you must always keep trying. "You'll grow stronger, you'll learn new things, and you'll reach places you never thought you could. So live your lives the way these fish do." Owens encouraged the children to work hard and overcome challenges. The steelhead, which are about a year old, will spend a couple of weeks in the river before heading to Lake Erie. They're about 7 to 9 inches long. In Lake Erie, they'll grow for about two or three years before returning to the river. The fish will be more than 20 inches long by that time. About 450,000 steelhead are stocked annually in Lake Erie tributaries. "This is a big program. It gets people very excited," said Joseph Conroy, hatchery program administrator with the Ohio Division of Wildlife. "We like putting smiles on people's faces. "Our fish group wants to create diverse opportunities for anglers to catch fish." These programs are supported by people buying things like fishing licenses, rods and reels, Conroy added. Anglers travel from across Ohio, 20 states, Canada and overseas to fish for Ohio's steelhead, according to a recent survey. "Get a rod and reel in your hand, and go have the time of your life," Conroy said.