The fall trout fishing season in Illinois opens Oct. 20.

Department of Natural Resources Director Marc Miller said Tuesday the agency stocks 37 ponds and lakes around the state with 70,000 trout prior to opening day.

The program is funded by participants who buy inland trout stamps.

No one may catch trout before 5 a.m. Oct. 20. Anglers must have a fishing license as well as a stamp excepts for those under 16, blind or disabled, or on active military leave.

Fishing licenses and inland trout stamps are available for sale at many bait shops, sporting goods stores and other retail outlets.