Statewide trout stocking highlights for April 2023

Many of Idaho’s lakes and ponds are soon going to be bolstered with Idaho Fish and Game stocking roughly 250,000 catchable-sized rainbow trout this April. 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.

Fish and Game doesn’t specify dates and times because each stocking event is tentative and dependent on river, lake, pond conditions and the safety of anglers. Dates may also change due to weather or staffing constraints.

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 2022-2024 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.

April 2023 Fish Stocking Highlights

Panhandle Region

Cocolalla Lake – 6,600 rainbow trout

Near Westmond, this 800-acre lake offers a variety of fishing opportunity. Anglers regularly have luck trolling spoons, spinners and flies throughout the lake. Fly fishing can also be a productive technique and anglers often target areas around the inlets and outlet of the lake.

Fernan Lake – 10,000 rainbow trout

A popular fishing spot 10 minutes from downtown Coeur d'Alene, anglers of all abilities can enjoy fishing from floating docks, miles of shoreline or boats.

Gene Day Pond – 1,000 rainbow trout

Also known as Osburn Pond, this will be the first stocking event of the year, so catch rates should be good!

Jewel Lake – 2,700 rainbow trout

A peaceful lake where anglers can catch rainbow trout, channel catfish and lots of bluegill that will thrill young anglers. There is a single fishing dock to help with access in this forested and picturesque rural setting.

Kelso Lake – 2,500 rainbow trout

With easy access to this quiet forested lake, you will find good fishing opportunities from a large dock and it's a great place for a small boat, kayak or canoe. It’s located along Idaho Birding Trail 14 so bring your binoculars!

Post Falls Park Pond – 2,000 rainbow trout

This park offers a great fishing spot for kids and anglers with special needs. Anglers can easily fish the small pond from a fishing bridge, shore or fishing platforms. Take some time to also enjoy the adjacent park, nature trails, falls and picnic areas.

Spicer Pond – 1,000 rainbow trout. This is a small, easily accessed pond next to the St. Maries River near the town of St. Maries.

Clearwater Region

Kiwanis Park Pond – 1,500 rainbow trout

This convenient community pond is located next to the Snake River in Lewiston and is within walking distance to picnic shelters and a playground. The pond is stocked with rainbow trout to maintain high catch rates for anglers.

Lake Waha – 3,000 rainbow trout

There is a Fish and Game access site with a dock and boat ramp that provides boaters with the opportunity to fish the lake. Because water levels can fluctuate greatly on Lake Waha, there are times in the spring when the dock is not accessible from shore.

Mann Lake – 4,500 rainbow trout

This lake provides a multi-species fishery. In addition to rainbow trout, anglers can catch bass, catfish and a variety of panfish. Only electric motors are allowed on this waterbody.

Spring Valley Reservoir – 5,400 rainbow trout

Surrounded by rolling hills and trees, there is a trail that surrounds the reservoir. In addition, fishing docks and platforms increase shoreline access. There is a developed boat ramp, but gas motors are not allowed. Bring your binoculars because this is Stop 35 on the Idaho Birding Trail.

Tolo Lake – 700 rainbow trout

This lake provides fishing in the wide open Camas Prairie. It's easy to get to and also supports a variety of other fish species (bluegill, bass, catfish). Drive a few miles north of Whitebird Pass on Highway 95, turn left onto Lake Road. Drive two more miles and you're there.

Winchester Lake – 6,000 rainbow trout

Located in a beautiful forested setting, this lake offers very easy access. Docks and fishing platforms enhance fishing opportunities for beginners and accomplished anglers. Facilities include a picnic shelter, fish cleaning station, benches and picnic tables and a variety of camping options.

Southwest Region (Nampa)

Arrowrock Reservoir – 9,000 rainbow trout

This reservoir offers a wide range of fishing opportunity. Fast-growing kokanee and rainbow trout are targeted by most anglers. However, other anglers choose to target smallmouth bass or yellow perch. Be sure to properly identify trout species as bull trout utilize the reservoir.

Crane Falls Reservoir – 1,200 rainbow trout

Located alongside the Snake River in the sagebrush south of Mountain Home, this lake is best fished from small boats and float craft, though several fishing docks are available.

Lucky Peak Reservoir – 13,550 rainbow trout

This reservoir is well-known for quality kokanee and rainbow trout fishing. In addition, some anglers choose to focus on smallmouth bass. The reservoir can be accessed at several well-developed sites.

Mann Creek Reservoir – 2,400 rainbow trout

This reservoir provides a diverse fishery where anglers can target crappie, largemouth bass and rainbow trout.

Marsing Pond – 550 rainbow trout

This pond is located off Highway 55 below the Snake River bridge.

Parkcenter Pond – 700 rainbow trout

Conveniently located near downtown Boise, the greenbelt and the BSU campus, this pond is a popular local fishing spot with a paved path alongside docks and tables.

Magic Valley Region

Blair Trail Fishing Pond – 1,000 rainbow trout

On Little Canyon Creek, this is a remote desert water surrounded by sagebrush solitude.

Camas Pond #2 (Camas Kids Pond) – 1,500 rainbow trout

This is a small, scenic pond near Fairfield. The Centennial Marsh and Camas Prairie Wildlife Management Area are nearby and provide great bird watching opportunities.

Dierkes Lake – 2,500 rainbow trout

Conveniently located inside Shoshone Falls Park near Twin Falls, this scenic county park also features hiking, fishing docks, and picnic areas. Dierkes Lake is where thousands of kids have caught their first fish! Check out this video.

Gavers Lagoon – 1,425 rainbow trout

This pond is a high-yield fishery that is stocked frequently, but it is known to get fished out quickly after stocking. We encourage harvest, but please harvest what you need and consider leaving a few for your fellow anglers.

Magic Reservoir – 7,500 rainbow trout

A popular, diverse fishery with plenty of shoreline access, this reservoir is perfect for young anglers.

Mormon Reservoir – 6,000 rainbow trout

Located near Fairfield, efforts by Fish and Game staff and other agencies continue to improve fishing, water quality and access.

Lower Goose Creek Reservoir (Oakley Reservoir) – 10,000 rainbow trout

Located south of Burley, this is a great place to recreate. Fishing opportunity includes perch, rainbow trout and walleye.

Penny Lake – 900 rainbow trout

This little lake provides a great rustic fishing opportunity in the Wood River Valley!

Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir – 18,000 rainbow trout

A short drive south of Twin Falls, this large reservoir in Idaho's high desert provides tons of fishing options with boat ramps and long shorelines. You can help maintain the natural beauty of this unique area by driving on existing roads when they are dry.

Southeast Region

American Falls Reservoir – 18,000 rainbow trout

These fish were not stocked in March due to lingering ice conditions on the reservoir.

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 fishing access around this 5-acre pond.

Chesterfield Reservoir – 19,200 rainbow trout

Known for BIG fish, this reservoir in Caribou County is a popular spot to plan a great fishing trip!

Crowthers Reservoir – 2,200 rainbow trout

Tucked away on the northern edge of Malad City, this reservoir provides a nice local fishing spot.

Devil Creek Reservoir – 5,150 rainbow trout

This reservoir provides some of the best trout fishing in this region and is conveniently located right off I-15. Most anglers fish from boats or on the bank around the dam. These fish will be stocked in late April if the ice is off.

Edson Fichter Pond – 950 rainbow trout

This community pond is located along the Portneuf River at Edson Fichter Nature Area. It features several docks and a trail for access around the pond. Just minutes from downtown Pocatello, this site offers local anglers a convenient escape close to home.

Glendale Reservoir – 3,660 rainbow trout

This 200-plus 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 shore 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 (Franklin County residents: $10; nonresidents of Franklin County: $20). 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.

Jensens Grove Pond – 4,500 rainbow trout

This 55-acre pond is located within Jensens Grove City Park along the greenbelt in the heart of Blackfoot.

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 – 2,760 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.

Upper Snake Region

Becker Pond (Ryder Park Pond) – 2,000 rainbow trout

This pond in Idaho Falls is located off Sunnyside Road. Catch rates are awesome, and it’s a great place for new anglers or kids to try their hand at fishing. 

Rexburg City Ponds – 1,200 rainbow trout

These ponds are located within Rexburg's 15-acre Nature Park and offer an enjoyable fishing atmosphere. The park has walking paths, a skate park and picnic areas in a tranquil environment away from traffic.

Snake River – 2,400 rainbow trout

These fish will be stocked at John’s Hole and South Tourist Park.

Salmon Region

Hayden Creek Pond – 1,100 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.

Hyde Creek Pond – 200 rainbow trout

This small irrigation pond is surrounded by sagebrush. The open site and level terrain provide ideal bank fishing for beginning anglers.

Kids Creek Pond – 550 rainbow trout

Near downtown Salmon, this small fishing pond is regularly stocked with rainbow trout so catch rates should be good!