ABSTRACTStock, catch and effort data for a small ‘put‐and‐take’ trout fishery were analysed to determine a stocking strategy fulfilling the needs of both anglers and management. The assumptions of negligible ‘natural’ mortality and constant ‘catchability’ implicit with stock determinations using catch per effort and catch succession techniques were tested, and found to be largely upheld in this instance. The calculations of optimal stocking rates based on these results are described and indicate that frequent restocking with sufficient fish to maintain a stock capable of giving the desired catch per effort is preferable, both from the viewpoint of angler satisfaction and to facilitate management