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Idaho Fish and Game

march 2024 stocking

Statewide trout stocking highlights for March 2026

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Approximately 110,000 catchable-sized rainbow trout will be stocked throughout the state this March.

Many of Idaho’s lakes and ponds are soon going to be bolstered with Idaho Fish and Game stocking over 110,000 catchable-sized rainbow trout this March. 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!

March 2026 Fish Stocking Highlights

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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!

Round Lake – 2,500 rainbow trout

Beginners and experts alike will enjoy fishing this scenic lake. The full-feature park offers hiking trails and a swimming beach.

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Kiwanis Park Pond – 900 rainbow trout

This convenient community pond is located next to the Snake River within walking distance of picnic shelters and a playground. The pond is stocked with rainbow trout to maintain high catch rates for anglers. Access this levee pond in Lewiston's Kiwanis Park along Snake River Avenue south of Bridge Street.

Mann Lake – 6,000 rainbow trout

Located in Nez Perce County, this lake provides a multi-species fishery. In addition to rainbow trout, anglers can catch bass, catfish, and a variety of panfish. Electric motors only on this waterbody.

Tolo Lake – 500 rainbow trout. Located west of Grangeville, this lake provides fishing in the wide-open Camas Prairie. It's easy to get to and also supports a fishery for warmwater species. Boaters must observe the no-wake restriction.

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  • Boise River, Strawberry Glen to Barber Dam – 400 rainbow trout
  • Boise River, Middleton to Eagle Road – 400 rainbow trout

The Boise River offers miles of fishing in one of the finest urban trout rivers in the country!

Caldwell Rotary Pond – 675 rainbow trout

Rotary Pond is a park-like setting. Plentiful bank fishing opportunity offers young anglers easy access to bluegills, bass, and rainbow trout. A dock invites visitors of every mobility level to enjoy the fishing.

Crane Falls Reservoir – 1,000 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.

Duff Lane Pond – 195 rainbow trout

Located near Middleton, a small ramp is available for launching small boats and float craft. There are also two fishing docks. In addition to rainbow trout, bass and bluegill are often targeted by anglers.

Eagle Island Park Pond – 795 rainbow trout

Located within Eagle Island State Park, this pond is easily accessible. State park rules and fees apply.

Esther Simplot Pond – 360 rainbow trout

Located next to the Boise River, this park offers fishing, walking and biking paths, docks, shelters, and a playground.

Horseshoe Bend Mill Pond – 390 rainbow trout

Just north of town, this pond features easy access and productive fishing for bass and trout in a pleasant setting next to the Payette River. This pond is one of more than 70 waters designated as Family Fishing Waters in Idaho. These waters have been established to make it easier for families to go and enjoy fishing. The rules are simple, and there are lots of fish to catch.

Kleiner Pond – 540 rainbow trout

Located within Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park, there is a large fishing platform and plenty of shoreline access. This is a family-friendly water with paved paths and full-feature city park activities.

McDevitt Pond – 540 rainbow trout

Located in West Boise's McDevitt Sports Park at the northwest corner of McMillan and Eagle roads. This small neighborhood pond offers easily accessible fishing.

Parkcenter Pond – 420 rainbow trout

A popular local fishing pond with a paved path alongside docks and tables with maturing trees. This convenient pond is near the greenbelt, the BSU campus, and a variety of restaurants.

Riverside Pond – 870 rainbow trout

This is a quiet neighborhood pond right off the Boise Greenbelt. It is tucked into the trees off Glenwood Road. It offers good bank fishing and a large fishing dock.

Williams Pond – 270 rainbow trout

Located within the City of Boise's Marianne Williams Park, there is a large fishing platform, paved paths, and plenty of shoreline access.

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Blair Trail Fishing Pond – 1,500 rainbow trout

Located on Little Canyon Creek, this remote desert water is surrounded by sagebrush solitude.

Cedar Creek Reservoir (Roseworth Reservoir) – 2,000 rainbow trout

If you are looking to get out of town for the day, this reservoir is a remote trout fishery in the high desert. It has great shoreline access as well as high water and low water boat ramps.

Crystal Springs Lake – 600 rainbow trout

Shoreline fishing is best near the outflow. Use of float tubes will allow access to trout holding away from the shoreline.

Filer Kids Pond and Filer Pond – 900 rainbow trout

These two ponds are a quick drive from Twin Falls. Both feature excellent access with regular trout stocking. Filer Kids Pond is open to kids 12 and under. Filer Pond is open to anglers of any age.

Freedom Park Pond – 1,000 rainbow trout

Located in Burley, this trout pond was built with young anglers in mind. It’s a great place to take the kids fishing!

Gavers Lagoon – 1,425 rainbow trout

This pond is a high-yield fishery. We encourage harvest, but please harvest only what you need and consider leaving a few for your fellow anglers.

Hagerman Wildlife Management Area: This WMA provides a variety of fishing opportunities and open space to explore. Riley Creek Pond and Oster Lake #1 offer ADA access piers. Please give those with limited mobility priority for parking and use.

  • Hagerman WMA Oster Lake #1 – 3,515 rainbow trout
  • Hagerman WMA Oster Lake #2 – 450 rainbow trout
  • Hagerman WMA Oster Lake #3 – 350 rainbow trout
  • Hagerman WMA Oster Lake #4 – 350 rainbow trout
  • Hagerman WMA Riley Creek Pond – 3,515 rainbow trout
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American Falls Reservoir – 18,000 rainbow trout

This large waterbody on the Snake River provides abundant boating opportunity. Additionally, there is good shoreline fishing near the West Side Boat Ramp located by the dam. Fish will be stocked at Sportsman’s Park in Aberdeen and at the West Side Boat Ramp.

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 excellent fishing access.

Bear River Below Alexander Dam – 500 rainbow trout

For those willing to hike down to the bottom of the canyon, fishing can be really good in this section of the river. 

Bear River Below Oneida Dam – 2,250 rainbow trout

These fish will be stocked in the very scenic Oneida Narrows reach of the river below the dam. This popular section of the river offers the longest continuous public access along the entire Bear River.

Crowthers Reservoir – 2,200 rainbow trout

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

Crystal Springs Pond – 1,000 rainbow trout

This spring fed pond is always clear and cool! Located near Springfield, this family friendly pond has a paved walking path and docks for easy fishing access.

Edson Fichter Pond – 950 rainbow trout

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

Glendale Reservoir – 3,600 rainbow trout

This 200+ acre irrigation reservoir provides good facilities and opportunities for anglers to catch trout and a variety of warm water species. 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. No ballast compartment boats are allowed.

Lamont Reservoir – 2,700 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.

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Gem Lake – 3,000 rainbow trout

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

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Hayden Creek Pond – 650 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.

Kids Creek Pond – 300 rainbow trout

Located near downtown Salmon, this small fishing pond offers good trout fishing and is regularly stocked.