Lake Henry, a three-acre impoundment at Clinton State Park, received a stocking of 500 rainbow trout Thursday. A hole was cut through the ice to facilitate stocking.

If the warmer weather pattern holds, ice may disappear within the next week, and trout should be ready to bite. Most stocked trout measured 10 to 12 inches, with some bigger ones measuring more than 14 inches.

A total of 3,000 trout are stocked into Lake Henry each season spread over six stockings. Two more stockings are scheduled within the next four weeks.

Stocked trout can be caught on a variety of lures and baits. Small spinners, jigs, spoons and flies all produce fish. Power bait, corn and cheese are some of the most popular baits. The daily creel limit is five trout, and the possession limit is 15.

Lake Henry is one of 18 locations around the state stocked with trout by Wildlife and Parks.

Trout season runs from Oct. 15 through April 15 at all locations, except for Tuttle Creek and Mined Land Wildlife Area Unit 30 which have year-round seasons.

All trout anglers, regardless of age, are required to have a trout permit ($11), in addition to the state fishing license ($19 resident) unless exempt by law.

Anglers should be aware that some cities (Topeka, for example) and counties (Wyandotte, for example) have their own trout fishing programs which require city or county permits.

A daily vehicle pass ($5.50) or an annual vehicle pass ($35.50) is required to access state park areas.