Approximately 6,850 catchable rainbow trout will be stocked in area waters
Hatchery personnel from Fish and Game’s Magic Valley Region will be stocking approximately 6,850 10-12” catchable-sized rainbow trout in February. All stocking dates and numbers of fish are approximate.
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.
| Body of Water | Week to be Stocked | Number to be Stocked |
| Niagara Springs | February 5 - 9 | 250 |
| Crystal Springs Lake | February 5 - 9 | 300 |
| Filer Kids Pond & Filer Pond | February 12 - 16 | 450 |
| Freedom Park Pond | February 12 - 16 | 500 |
| Niagara Springs | February 19 - 23 | 250 |
| Crystal Springs Lake | February 19 - 23 | 300 |
| Filer Kids Pond & Filer Pond | February 26 - March 1 | 450 |
| Hagerman WMA Oster Lake #1 | February 26 - March 1 | 2,000 |
| Hagerman WMA Oster Lake #2 | February 26 - March 1 | 450 |
| Hagerman WMA Oster Lake #3 | February 26 - March 1 | 450 |
| Hagerman WMA Oster Lake #4 | February 26 - March 1 | 450 |
| Hagerman WMA Riley Creek Pond | February 26 - March 1 | 1,000 |
For maps of these Idaho fishing locations and other angling destinations please visit the Fish Planner.
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. Click here to buy a license.
Fishing for stocked rainbow trout, particularly in community ponds, is a great way to introduce new anglers to the sport by using simple (and relatively thrifty) set-ups like worm/marshmallow combinations or commercial baits like Power Bait or Crave, either near the bottom or below a bobber. 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 2022-2024 Idaho Fishing Seasons and Rules Booklet, which outlines season dates, special regulations and bag limits at any Idaho Fish and Game offices or most sporting goods stores statewide.
Need a little help reading Idaho's fishing regulations? Click here to view a short video on how to use the fishing season and rules book.