Reopening of Caldwell Gravel Ponds delayed as improvement project continues

About five years ago, Fish and Game contracted with a gravel mining operation to enlarge and deepen the Caldwell Gravel Ponds. The operation combined what was once two separate ponds into one large and deep pond. Managers had hoped that the pond would be reopened sometime in 2025; however, several issues have come up that have delayed the reopening of the ponds for another year.   

Anglers will be happy to learn that these delays are related to maximizing the potential for the newly designed pond to be a fantastic all-around fishery featuring hatchery rainbow trout and quality largemouth bass. Currently, Fish and Game is working with Rambo Gravel to finalize the shaping and sloping the shoreline along the pond. One of the major limitations of many of the valley’s pond fisheries is that these former gravel pits have steep and simple shorelines. This limits the natural production and survival of largemouth bass and bluegill in these smaller water bodies.   

Ideally, Caldwell Gravel Pond will have roughly a 3:1 slope, with lots of contouring to increase the shoreline complexity. Additionally, Fish and Game is seeking opportunities to acquire materials for installing habitat structures throughout the pond. The Department is hoping to work with contractors that have access to larger logs with root wads, or boulders, rocks, or cement structures to make rock piles and diversify the shoreline habitat. 

Some of the final shoreline shaping has been delayed by equipment issues, but after that is completed, Fish and Game will be designing site plans for the development of the property around the pond. This would include amenities such as a small boat ramp, fishing piers, and a walking path. Not all of that will need to be in place for the pond to be reopened, and biologists hope to start moving warmwater fish into the pond this fall to kickstart populations.  

Water levels at the pond will also be an important factor deciding how quickly the pond can be up and running. Currently, there are active gravel mining operations at a pit directly adjacent to the Caldwell Gravel Pond property, which is impacting the water levels at the pond. As the pit moves operations away from the pond area, water levels should begin to rise and get to a level where biologists can start stocking fish. 

The pond will be managed for self-sustaining largemouth bass and bluegill populations, and seasonal stocking of hatchery rainbow trout, as water temperatures allow. The pond has a quality rule for largemouth bass, where the limit is two fish that must be larger than 20 inches to keep.   IDFG understands that many anglers are excited to have Caldwell Gravel Pond reopened and stocked with fish. Fish and Game is equally excited about the pond and will be working to make this one of the premier community ponds in the Treasure Valley for bass, bluegill, and hatchery rainbow trout.