The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will stock Heritage Pond in Dubuque with approximately 1,500 rainbow trout beginning at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. This is part of the agency’s fall community trout stocking program, which places catchable-size trout into waters across the state that cannot support them year-round due to warmer summer temperatures. 

Heritage Pond, a roughly 9- to 10-acre pond located at 11330 Rupp Hollow Road in Dubuque (near the eastern trailhead of the Heritage Trail off U.S. Highway 52 north of the city), offers good shoreline access, a kayak launch, picnic areas, restrooms, and nearby trails. Electric motors only are allowed. The pond is stocked twice yearly with rainbow trout and also holds bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass, and bullhead. 

The community stocking program is funded by sales of the Iowa trout fee. It gives local anglers—especially families and beginners—a convenient “close-to-home” chance to catch trout without traveling to northeast Iowa’s stream fisheries. Simple techniques work well: a small hook with a nightcrawler or kernel of corn under a bobber, or small spinners such as a Mepps or Panther Martin. 

Fishing License and Trout Fee Requirements

Anyone 16 or older who fishes for or possesses trout must have a valid Iowa fishing license and have paid the trout fee (sometimes called a trout stamp). Children under 16 may fish for trout without their own license or trout fee if accompanied by a properly licensed adult who has paid the trout fee; in that case the combined daily catch is limited to one person’s limit. A child who purchases their own trout fee may keep their own full daily limit. 

Current 2026 fees (subject to change; always verify on the official site):

•  Resident annual fishing license: $22

•  Nonresident annual fishing license: $48

•  Resident trout fee: $14.50

•  Nonresident trout fee: $17.50

Shorter-term options (1-day, 3-day, or 7-day) and multi-year or lifetime licenses for residents 65 and older are also available. The daily limit is five trout; the possession limit is 10. 

How to Obtain a License and Trout Fee

Licenses and the trout fee can be purchased:

•  Online 24/7 at the official Go Outdoors Iowa portal (gooutdoorsiowa.com) or through the Go Outdoors Iowa mobile app (iOS/Android). Create or log into an account, select fishing privileges, add the trout fee if needed, pay by credit/debit card, and receive an immediate digital license that can be stored on a phone or printed.

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