April trout stocking schedule for the Southeast Region

Spring has sprung! Grab your fishing pole, pack the cooler, and don’t forget your fishing license!  Idaho Fish and Game hatchery personnel will be trucking over 42,000 catchable-sized rainbow trout to fisheries in the Southeast Region this month.  Go get ‘em!

Here is a quick summary of what you need to know about some of these fun fisheries!

• Bannock Reservoir – 1000 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. The six-acre pond is surrounded by playgrounds, soccer fields, basketball courts, running and biking trails, and an amphitheater for community events. Multiple docks provide fishing access around the pond.
   
• Bear River – 1, 250 rainbow trout. These fish will be stocked in the very scenic Oneida Narrows reach of the river below the dam. This popular section of the river offers the longest continuous public access along the entire Bear River.

• Chesterfield Reservoir – 19,200 rainbow trout. Known for BIG fish, this reservoir is a popular spot to plan a great fishing trip. This is the workhorse fishery of the Southeast Region!
   
• Crowthers Reservoir – 2,200 rainbow trout. Tucked away on the northern edge of Malad City, this reservoir provides a nice local fishing spot.
   
• Crystal Springs Pond – 1,000 rainbow trout. This spring fed pond is always clear and cool!  Located near Springfield, this family friendly pond has a paved walking path and docks for easy fishing access.

• Edson Fichter Pond – 950 rainbow trout.  This 3-acre pond is located just minutes from downtown Pocatello and offers local anglers of all ages a convenient escape close to home.  Nestled within the 40-acre Edson Fichter Nature Area, this pond features several docks and a trail for access around the pond.  Your dog is welcome to be your fishing buddy—if leashed while at the pond and on the trails.  However, if they need to cool off or would like to practice their retrieving skills, there is a “puppy pond” built just for them on the same property.
   
• Foster Reservoir – 2,340 rainbow trout. This reservoir is located right off Highway 36 north of the Preston Golf Course. Electric motors only. Per Consolidated Irrigation Company access rules, all watercraft must be inspected by ISDA the day of your launch. Proof of inspection (ISDA written certification) should be displayed in dash of vehicle.
   
• Glendale Reservoir – 3,660 rainbow trout. This 200+ acre reservoir provides good facilities and opportunities for anglers to catch a variety of warm water species and trout. Access is best using a small boat, but docks and limited shoreline access are available. Per Consolidated Irrigation Company access rules, all watercraft must be inspected by on-site irrigation company staff and users are subject to an inspection fee. No ballast compartment boats are allowed.
   
• Hawkins Reservoir – 1,680 rainbow trout. Located near Downey, this reservoir provides good fishing opportunities for Yellowstone cutthroat trout, rainbow trout and cutbows.
   
• Johnson Reservoir – 2,500 rainbow trout. This 50-acre irrigation reservoir located near Preston is surrounded by large cottonwood trees. It offers a boat ramp, dock and a variety of warm water game fish. Per Consolidated Irrigation Company access rules, all watercraft must be inspected by ISDA the day of your launch.  Proof of inspection (ISDA written certification) should be displayed in dash of vehicle.
   
• Lamont Reservoir – 2,800 rainbow trout.  Located about 3 miles from Preston, this reservoir offers a nice boat ramp and good opportunity to catch trout, bass, and panfish. Per Consolidated Irrigation Company access rules, all watercraft must be inspected by ISDA the day of your launch.  Proof of inspection (ISDA written certification) should be displayed in dash of vehicle.
   
• McTucker Pond – 2,500 rainbow trout.  Located near Springfield, McTucker Pond is a cluster of 8 ponds surrounded by willows and large cottonwood trees. There are many places for kids to fish from the bank.  No docks are present anymore.

Stocking of all waters is tentative and dependent on river/lake/pond conditions (angler safety concerns); dates may change due to weather or staffing constraints.

If you need detailed information about Idaho’s waters, fish species, facilities, maps and rules, check out the Idaho Fishing Planner on Fish and Game’s website.