Approximately 60,000 catchable-sized rainbow trout will be stocked throughout the state this March.
LEWISTON, ID – Many of Idaho’s lakes and ponds are soon going to be bolstered with Idaho Fish and Game stocking over 60,000 catchable-sized rainbow trout this March. Wondering if the stocking trucks are going to be backing up to your favorite fishing hole? We asked our Fish and Game hatchery staff to boil down some of the most notable stocking highlights coming to your local fishery this month.
Many of these fisheries highlighted below are easy to access, family-friendly fishing destinations. All you need to get started is a fishing license and some basic tackle. Annual adult fishing licenses cost around $30, junior licenses (ages 14-17) cost $16, and youth (under 14) fish for free. Go to Fish and Game’s online vendor to buy a license.
Fishing for stocked rainbow trout can be a great way to introduce budding anglers to the sport by using simple, inexpensive setups like worm/marshmallow combinations or commercial baits like PowerBait® or Crave, placed either near the bottom or below a bobber; and as anglers know, there’s nothing quite like a trout fighting on the end of your line. The Learn to Fish webpage offers diagrams for basic bait rigs.
Most Idaho waters are open to fishing year-round, but some may have slightly different rules. Be sure to pick up a 2025-2027 Idaho Fishing Seasons and Rules Booklet–available at any Idaho Fish and Game office or most sporting goods stores statewide–or download online to look at season dates, special regulations and bag limits.
Clearwater Region
- Kiwanis Park Pond – 900 rainbow trout
This convenient community pond is located next to the Snake River within walking distance of picnic shelters and a playground. The pond is stocked with rainbow trout to maintain high catch rates for anglers. Access this levee pond in Lewiston’s Kiwanis Park along Snake River Avenue south of Bridge Street. - Mann Lake – 6,000 rainbow trout
Located in Nez Perce County, this lake provides a multi-species fishery. In addition to rainbow trout, anglers can catch bass, catfish, and a variety of panfish. Electric motors only on this waterbody.
Southwest Region
- Boise River, Strawberry Glen to Barber Dam – 864 rainbow trout
- Boise River, Middleton to Eagle Road – 864 rainbow trout
The Boise River offers miles of fishing in one of the finest urban trout rivers in the country! - Caldwell Rotary Pond – 480 rainbow trout
Rotary Pond is a park-like setting. Plentiful bank fishing opportunity offers young anglers easy access to bluegills, bass, and rainbow trout. A dock invites visitors of every mobility level to enjoy the fishing. - Duff Lane Pond – 195 rainbow trout
Located near Middleton, a small ramp is available for launching small boats and float craft. There are also two fishing docks. In addition to rainbow trout, bass and bluegill are often targeted by anglers. - Esther Simplot Pond – 360 rainbow trout
Located next to the Boise River, this park offers fishing, walking and biking paths, docks, shelters, and a playground. - Horseshoe Bend Mill Pond – 390 rainbow trout
Just north of town, this pond features easy access and productive fishing for bass and trout in a pleasant setting next to the Payette River. This pond is one of more than 70 waters designated as Family Fishing Waters in Idaho. These waters have been established to make it easier for families to go and enjoy fishing. The rules are simple, and there are lots of fish to catch. - Kleiner Pond – 540 rainbow trout
Located within Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park, there is a large fishing platform and plenty of shoreline access. This is a family-friendly water with paved paths and full-feature city park activities. - McDevitt Pond – 540 rainbow trout
Located in west Boise’s McDevitt Sports Park at the northwest corner of McMillan and Eagle roads. This small neighborhood pond offers easily accessible fishing. - Parkcenter Pond – 420 rainbow trout
A popular local fishing pond with a paved path alongside docks and tables with maturing trees. This convenient pond is near the greenbelt, the BSU campus, and a variety of restaurants. - Riverside Pond – 870 rainbow trout
This is a quiet neighborhood pond right off the Boise Greenbelt. It is tucked into the trees off Glenwood Road. It offers good bank fishing and a large fishing dock.
Magic Valley Region
- Blair Trail Fishing Pond – 1,500 rainbow trout
Located on Little Canyon Creek, this remote desert water is surrounded by sagebrush solitude. - Cedar Creek Reservoir (Roseworth Reservoir) – 2,000 rainbow trout
If you are looking to get out of town for the day, this reservoir is a remote trout fishery in the high desert. It has great shoreline access as well as high water and low-water boat ramps. - Freedom Park Pond – 1,000 rainbow trout
Located in Burley, this trout pond was built with young anglers in mind. It’s a great place to take the kids fishing!
Southeast Region
- American Falls Reservoir – 18,000 rainbow trout
This large waterbody on the Snake River provides abundant boating opportunity. Additionally, there is good shoreline fishing near the West Side Boat Ramp located by the dam. These fish will be stocked once ice is off and conditions are conducive to stocking. - Bannock Reservoir – 1,000 rainbow trout
Located within the Portneuf Wellness Complex Park near the County Fairgrounds in Pocatello, this community park offers trout fishing with many recreational amenities nearby. Multiple docks provide excellent fishing access.
Upper Snake Region
- Gem Lake – 3,000 rainbow trout
Conveniently located near Idaho Falls at the Gem Lake Recreation Area.
Salmon Region
- Hayden Creek Pond – 650 rainbow trout
This is a family-friendly fishing area in the high desert along Hayden Creek. Anglers will find ample bank fishing opportunities and a dock for anglers with limited mobility. - Kids Creek Pond – 300 rainbow trout
Located near downtown Salmon, this small fishing pond offers good trout fishing and is regularly stocked.
