Hatchery staff are now busy cleaning and winterizing fish stocking trucks after the final fall rainbow trout stocking last week. Approximately 3,000 fish were stocked in Elk Creek Reservoir near the town of Elk River and 2,100 fish were released into Dworshak Reservoir last Thursday, October 29.
Winter conditions at Merrill Park Elk Creek Reservoir on Thursday.
The fish stocking truck arrived at the stocking location on the west side of Elk Creek Reservoir.
Hatchery staff prepare for the fish release by attaching the stocking hose to the back of the truck.
University of Idaho student assists by breaking up surface ice to allow for fish to easily enter water.
Water temperature is measured. Water temperature is slightly cooler in the lake compared to the temperature in the stocking truck. University student places a net full of fish in reservoir to monitor how the fish respond to the cooler temperature.
The rainbow trout are closely monitored to make sure the stocking will not be too stressful for them. After close observation, the fish are determined to be responding well to the cooler water. The fish in the net are released and swim off into deeper water.
Fish stocking begins! University of Idaho student helps stabilize the hose and direct the fish into the reservoir.
All 3,000 fish are making Elk Creek Reservoir their new home!
Dworshak Fish Release
Fish stocking truck arrives at Dworshak Reservoir
2,100 rainbow trout make their way into Dworshak Reservoir at Dent boat ramp.
Thursday marked the final stocking at both Elk Creek Reservoir and Dworshak this season! Take a kid and go fishing!
To fish in Idaho any person 14 years of age or older must have a valid fishing license. Anglers younger than 14 do not need a license, but there is a small difference between resident and nonresident youth.
A resident child under 14 has their own separate fishing limit.
A nonresident child under 14 must be with someone who has a valid fishing license and their fish are in included in the license holders fishing limit. However, a nonresident child may purchase their own license and have their own limit.
Purchase your license online at: https://idfg.idaho.gov/licenses. Contact the regional office for more information (208) 799-5010. Happy fishing!