It may still look like winter out there, but here’s a sign of Spring. Illinois’ hugely popular trout-fishing season opens this Saturday.  The state’s Department of Natural Resources is stocking lakes, ponds and rivers with rainbow trout—60-thousand of them.  But you need a special permit, and there’s no jumping the gun, says Chris McCloud of the Natural Resources Department..

MCCLOUD:  I know it’s tough but for the next couple of days people are going to have to hold off even though they know trout is in their favorite location.  People need to just hold off until April 4th and then let the fishing begin.

Rainbow trout aren’t native to Illinois ponds and lakes. The state buys them from Missouri and Michigan, for about $300,000 annually. McCloud says that cost is covered by fees from trout fishing permits. The 43 stocking locations include about a dozen in Cook, DuPage, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will countries.