Statewide trout stocking highlights for July 2025

Many of Idaho’s lakes and ponds are soon going to be bolstered with Idaho Fish and Game stocking over 150,000 catchable-sized rainbow trout this July. 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.

Fishing for stocked rainbow trout can be a great way to introduce budding anglers to the sport by using simple, inexpensive setups. 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 youth (under 14) fish for free. If you need a license, purchasing one on the fly is easy to do with your smartphone—and you can start fishing immediately!

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July 2025 Fish Stocking Highlights

Campbells Pond – 1,200 rainbow trout

This is a scenic forest pond where anglers can expect good catch rates. There is plenty of fishing opportunity available from the bank with several docks, including one handicap-accessible dock, and a developed boat ramp.

Elk Creek Reservoir – 3,000 rainbow trout

A forested road parallels the entire west side of this reservoir for easy access to fishing areas, with four fishing docks and a boat ramp. The east side of the reservoir provides great boat fishing opportunities where foot access is difficult.

Fenn Pond – 1,000 rainbow trout

If you visit the Selway River and are looking for a good place to harvest some rainbows for dinner, check out this pond! The boardwalk and fishing dock offer easy access.

Karolyns Pond – 800 rainbow trout

Located at the Clearwater Hatchery's satellite facility on the Red River, this is a pretty pond with grassy banks and a dock for fishing. It's small enough that an angler can cast to any part of the pond from shore. There is a Forest Service campground a bit further up Red River Road, so make it an overnight camping trip!

White Sands Pond – 800 rainbow trout

Also known as Powell Pond, it’s located adjacent to the scenic Lochsa River just a short distance off Highway 12.

Browns Pond – 600 rainbow trout

This small pond offers easy access to fishing on the southern edge of the McCall airport.

Fischer Pond – 300 rainbow trout

Tucked into a city park, this pond provides good bank fishing. The pond is the cornerstone of a cooperative community effort.

Ol’ McDonald Pond – 300 rainbow trout

This small community pond in Council offers easy access next to Wilco Park.

Payette Lake – 5,000 rainbow trout

This beautiful lake is one of the most popular recreation spots in the State!

Rowland Pond – 300 rainbow trout

Also known as Scout Pond, this is a pretty pond in the woods close to McCall. Anglers will find good bank fishing in this peaceful setting.

Tripod Reservoir – 480 rainbow trout

This is a small mountain lake near Smith's Ferry and is regularly stocked with rainbow trout. Check out this awesome video to get you excited to take the kids fishing!

Warm Lake – 3,000 rainbow trout

Located in Valley County, this area is very popular for camping, hiking, boating and fishing.

Boise River, Strawberry Glen to Barber Dam – 1,728 rainbow trout

Boise River, Middleton to Eagle Road – 1,296 rainbow trout

Boise River, Arrowrock Reservoir to MF/NF Confluence – 1,750 rainbow trout

Bull Trout Lake – 2,000 rainbow trout

One of several serene mountain lakes, this lake is nestled in the pines above Banner Summit. While anglers can easily fish from the shore, the lakes in this area are ideal for canoes, kick boats and float tubes.

Middle Fork Payette River – 1,500 rainbow trout

Redband trout, brook trout, and stocked hatchery rainbows support this fine fishery. Access is great along a well-traveled road with good camping areas nearby.

North Fork Boise River – 3,500 rainbow trout

This is a popular mountain river where anglers can target a variety of salmonids within the mainstem and tributaries. Catch rates on this river won’t disappoint you!

Sage Hen Reservoir – 2,400 rainbow trout

This mountain reservoir is surrounded by forests. Five campgrounds are located adjacent to the reservoir and are managed by the Boise National Forest.

South Fork Payette River – 3,500 rainbow trout

Stocking locations include: Mountain View Campground, near the fire station at Jolene Drive, Helende Campground, 10-mile Bridge (immediately adjacent to Lowman Ponds), and near Grandjean.

Big Trinity Lake – 2,000 rainbow trout

In addition to good fishing, there is a USFS campground available at this high alpine getaway. While you’re here, take a drive to the summit of Trinity Mountain (if the road is not blocked by snow).

Featherville Dredge Pond – 1,000 rainbow trout

This former gravel pit is now a nice trout fishing pond with camping nearby. This is also referred to as Placer Pond. 

Lake Cleveland – 3,000 rainbow trout

First stocking event of the year for this popular lake!

Little Trinity Lake – 700 rainbow trout

Located north of Big Trinity Lake, there is a USFS picnic area available for use. Trailer traffic is not recommended.

Little Wood Reservoir – 4,500 rainbow trout

This reservoir provides great trout fishing in an upland desert setting. Bell Mountain provides a scenic backdrop for memorable sunsets year-round.

Lower Lake Creek Lake – 700 rainbow trout

Located just north of Sun Valley, this small lake is a great place to cast a line.

Penny Lake – 800 rainbow trout

Great fishing on a small pond! This lake also offers hiking and biking opportunities.

South Fork Boise River – 3,800 rainbow trout

Fish will be stocked as follows:

• Featherville to Shake Creek – 950 rainbow trout
• Shake Creek to Skeleton Creek – 1,900 rainbow trout
• Pine to Grouse Creek – 950 rainbow trout

Cub River – 500 rainbow trout

This beautiful little river is located south of Preston. All fish will be stocked in and around the Willow Flat Campground area. To help inform decision making about this fishery, we strongly encourage anglers to report tagged fish that they catch.

Kelly Park Pond – 250 rainbow trout

Located in Soda Springs, accessing this pond requires a short walk, but it offers a great kids fishing opportunity. Lace up the boots, grab the fishing poles, and take the kids on a nature walk!

Mill Creek – 250 rainbow trout

Located about 15 miles north of Malad, this small creek flows in the shadows of Elkhorn Mountain. Fish will be stocked near the USFS Malad Summit Campground, so bring the whole family for an overnight camping adventure!

Montpelier Creek – 1,000 rainbow trout

Fish will be stocked at multiple spots below the dam.

Montpelier Rearing Pond – 500 rainbow trout

This little fishing spot is tucked into a scenic high desert canyon at 6,500 feet in the hills east of Montpelier.

Pebble Creek – 1,000 rainbow trout

Fish will be stocked in the Big Springs Campground and surrounding area.

Birch Creek – 2,700 rainbow trout

A productive spring creek in a high desert basin, this small stream is ideal for kids and less experienced anglers. Rainbow trout are stocked heavily around access areas and wild brook trout are fairly common.

Buffalo River – 1,000 rainbow trout

This tributary of the Henrys Fork provides one of many unique fishing opportunities in the Island Park area. Fish are stocked right near the Highway 20 bridge.

Gem Lake – 3,000 rainbow trout

Conveniently located near Idaho Falls at the Gem Lake Recreation Area.

Henrys Fork – 6,700 rainbow trout

World Famous for trout fishing! The river is suitable for wade fishing, bank fishing and fishing from a boat.

Mill Pond – 500 rainbow trout

Located in Fremont County, this is also known as Stoddard Mill Pond.

Trail Creek Pond – 800 rainbow trout

Also known as Victor Kids Pond, this small, scenic pond is located in the lush Teton Basin. One of the most consistent kid’s fisheries in the area, it is easily fished from the bank, with trails and picnic tables around the perimeter.

Bayhorse Lake – 2,000 rainbow trout

Anglers will find good catch rates at this drive-in mountain lake. Primitive campsites are available. While you’re in the area, check out Little Bayhorse Lake. The two lakes are connected by a mile long hiking trail.

Cape Horn Lake #1 – 240 rainbow trout

This is the larger of two picturesque lakes endowed with fish, lily pads and frogs. Especially well-suited to float tubes or a small boat, this lake offers limited shoreline access. The area is good for wildlife viewing and is Stop 20 on the Idaho Birding Trail. Camping is available at nearby Forest Service sites. No facilities are available here.

Cape Horn Lake #2 – 300 rainbow trout

This is a 10-acre mountain lake especially well-suited to float tubes or a small boat. This lake offers limited shoreline access. The area is good for wildlife viewing and is Idaho Birding Trail #20. Camping is available at nearby Forest Service sites. There are no facilities available here.

• Josephus Lake #1 – 240 rainbow trout
• Josephus Lake #2 – 240 rainbow trout

There are a few campsites available at the USFS Josephus Lake Campground and a hiking trail that heads west into the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. Pack it in, Pack it out!

Little Bayhorse Lake – 1,000 rainbow trout

Anglers will find good catch rates at this drive-in mountain lake, either from shore or a small boat. 

Salmon River – Sections #5-8 will be stocked with a total of 17,360 rainbow trout.

• Section #5 – O’Brien Campground to Torrey’s Hole – 800
• Section #6 – Lower Stanley to Sunbeam Hot Springs – 9,360
• Section #7 – Sunny Gulch Campground to Stanley – 2,800
• Section #8 – Decker Flats to Buckhorn Bridge – 4,400

Sawtooth Kids Pond – 400 rainbow trout

This public fishing pond located at Sawtooth Fish Hatchery has both fish and fishing tackle, if needed. Inquire with hatchery staff about loaner tackle to catch rainbow trout from this well stocked pond.

Stanley Lake – 4,200 rainbow trout

Here is a large mountain lake you can drive to. This is a popular spot known for its breathtaking view of the Sawtooth Mountains. It offers great camping, fishing and places for kids to explore nature.

Valley Creek – 2,750 rainbow trout

Take a break from the Salmon River and try out your casting skills fishing this creek that offers astonishing views in every direction!

Yankee Fork Dredge Pond #1 – 930 rainbow trout

As part of a stream habitat restoration project, this pond was merged with a pool to the north with better access. There are several Forest Service campgrounds within a few miles. Historical sites, wildlife viewing, and extensive trails make this area an adventure destination. 

Yankee Fork Dredge Pond #4 – 930 rainbow trout

This is the northernmost of several ponds along the Yankee Fork that have been historically stocked for anglers. Services are limited.