BELLA VISTA — The third season of winter trout fishing began Oct. 22 at Bella Vista’s Lake Brittany.

Crystal Springs Trout Hatchery in Cassville, Mo., delivered 1,000 rainbow trout, averaging 12 inches in length, said Darrell Bowman, lakes ecologist and fisheries manager for the Bella Vista Property Owners Association.

The association began placing trout in Lake Brittany two years ago in an effort to gain support for Bella Vista’s first seasonal trout fishery.Seasonal fisheries have become popular throughout the southeastern United States, where trout are not native and normally cannot survive yearround.

Trout are active in cold water, providing enjoyable fishing when warm-water species, such as bass and bluegill, become lethargic and fishing gets tough, Bowman said.

Approximately 1,000 rainbow trout will be stocked each month through spring 2010.

As required in previous years, all Arkansas Game and Fish Commission statewide fishing regulations apply. Bella Vista members must have a state fishing license.

A state trout permit is also required if trout are harvested. The permit is not necessary if trout are caught and released immediately.

The limit is five trout per person per day. This approach should once again provide ample fishing opportunities for Bella Vista members, Bowman said.

Halloween runs at Lake Bella Vista

Rebuilding Together of Northwest Arkansas will hold Halloween runs at the Lake Bella Vista Trail on Oct. 31.

A 5K walk and run will begin at 8:30 a.m., and a 1/2K will begin at 9:30 a.m. Organizers are encouraging participants to wear costumes.

Awards will be given to the top three finishers, male and female, in thefollowing age groups: 15 and under, 16-20, 21-25, 26-30, 31-35, 36-40, 41-45, 46-50, 51-55, 56-60, 61-65, and 66 and older.

The 1/2K is not a timed event. Prizes will be awarded to all finishers 10 and under.

The entry fee is $20 for the 5K run and walk. The 1/2K is free.

Sign up at www.Rebuild ingTogetherNWA.org.

Sports & Recreation, Pages 14 on 10/28/2009

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