Over 3,000 super-sized trout, which average eight pounds, are being stocked across the Salmon and Upper Snake regions.
The extra-large rainbows were used in the production of trout raised at Riverence Hatchery in Mackay, who donated them to Idaho Fish and Game. Referred to as brood stock, these hatchery trout are nearing the end of their usefulness in producing the next generation, but will provide anglers with some thrilling fishing.
In the Salmon Region, the first batch of large rainbow trout was stocked in community ponds in the Salmon area (Johnson, Hayden, Kids, and Hyde Ponds) at the end of April. More of these large fish will be stocked in these ponds, as well as those in Challis and Clayton, throughout the month of May.
In the Upper Snake Region, Mackay Reservoir has been stocked with 1,200 of the large Riverence trout, with more waters to be stocked in the coming weeks. In addition to this extra shot of angler opportunity, the normal IDFG hatchery stocking has occurred as well.
“We really appreciate Riverence’s generosity, as anglers love catching these big fish," says Regional Fisheries Biologist Brett Kelly. "This stocking, combined with IDFG’s regular trout stocking, will provide some great fishing opportunity through the spring.”
Pond fishing is a great way to introduce kids to the sport, using simple set-ups like worm/marshmallow combinations or commercial baits like Power Bait or Crave, either near the bottom or below a bobber. Casting and retrieving spoons and spinners can also be an effective pond fishing technique.
For detailed information about when, where, and how many fish have been stocked, as well as facilities, maps and rules, check out the Idaho Fishing Planner.