The state has started its annual process of stocking the Lower Saluda River with trout for catch-and-release fishing.

Per a release from the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, thousands of catchable-size (eight-to-11-inch) trout will be stocked in the stretch of the river near Columbia. The department says it stocks nearly 30,000 trout each year in the Lower Saluda between December and February.

“The cold waters released from the bottom of Lake Murray provide suitable habitat for the trout, creating a unique and popular fishery in the Midlands of South Carolina,” the release states. “[It’s] what's called a ‘put, grow and take’ fishery that relies on stocking to maintain populations.”

The trout released are raised at the Walhalla State Fish Hatchery about 100 miles away in Oconee County and are delivered by truck to multiple locations along the Lower Saluda.

“Trout grow rapidly after stocking and can exceed 20 inches in one to two years, which is considered trophy size for this type of fishery,” the release states. “Anglers should keep in mind that the lower reach of the Saluda River, from the eastbound Interstate 20 bridge downstream to Stacey's Ledge, is year-round catch-and-release fishing for all species of coldwater trout. It is unlawful to take and retain trout at any time in this section of the river.”

According to the DNR’s “South Carolina Trout Fishing” guide, the department stocks about 500,000 fingerling and catchable-size brook, brown and rainbow trout statewide each year.

“SCDNR does not release the time and location of stocking runs,” the guide states. “These efforts are aimed toward perpetuating South Carolina’s trout resource and providing a satisfactory angling experience for the sportsman. Healthy trout fisheries are the priceless reward for all South Carolinians for proper trout management.”

Weekly updates on stocking totals can be found at dnr.sc.gov/fish/stocking/results.

Per the website, DNR stocked 23,430 trout between Dec. 9 and 15, including Dec. 12 releases into the Chattooga, Chauga, North Saluda, Middle Saluda and South Saluda.