Idaho Fish and Game produces over 30 million fish annually at its hatcheries, and stocks them into waters throughout the state every year, providing Idahoans with fishing opportunities for a variety of species.
With October here, Fish and Game's fish stocking crews are returning to many local ponds and other nearby waters that become too warm for trout during summer. It's a great opportunity for anglers to squeeze in some fishing time without traveling far from home. Here are 14 reasons why you should fish during fall.
With so many fish stocked in so many places, it can be hard for anglers to sift through the stocking forecasts and records to identify noteworthy stocking events. To make it easier, we asked Fish and Game hatchery staff to highlight some stocking events for the month.
Whether it is a large number of fish being stocked relative to the size of the water, a unique species, a new location, or a one-time-only stocking, we asked them to point out events anglers would be interested in knowing about. Here’s what they came up with:
October 2019 Fish Stocking Highlights
Clearwater Region
Deer Creek Reservoir – 2,100 Rainbow Trout. This beautiful mountain reservoir was built specifically for trout fishing. Rainbow trout are stocked from spring through fall in this remote setting for high catch rates from shore or a boat.
Deyo Reservoir – 4,800 Rainbow Trout. Nestled amid farms and timber, beautiful Deyo Reservoir provides a great family fishing experience. A maintained trail surrounding the entire reservoir features seven fishing docks and two large fishing peninsulas, making it easy to find a good place to fish. There is also a developed boat ramp, picnic shelter, benches, and two handicap-accessible docks.
Kiwanis Park Pond – 1,500 Rainbow Trout. This convenient community pond is located in Lewiston next to the Snake River within walking distance to picnic shelters and a playground.
Moose Creek Reservoir – 6,500 Rainbow Trout. A shallow lake in rolling timbered hills on Idaho's Birding Trail, Moose Creek Reservoir is ideal for kayaks and float tubes. A trail surrounds the lake and nine fishing docks provide good shore fishing opportunities. There is a small developed boat ramp but gas motors are not allowed on this lake.
Spring Valley Reservoir – 10,200 Rainbow Trout. A maintained trail surrounds the reservoir and fishing docks and platforms increase shoreline access. Amenities include a picnic shelter, benches, picnic tables, handicap fishing access, and a developed boat ramp, but gas motors are not allowed. This is Stop 35 on the Idaho Birding Trail.
Winchester Lake – 14,400 Rainbow Trout. Located in a beautiful forested setting and offers very easy access. Docks and fishing platforms enhance fishing opportunities for beginners and accomplished anglers. Facilities include a picnic shelter, benches, picnic tables, and a range of camping options. Year round, you will find good fishing, plenty of recreation activities and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Southwest Region (Nampa)
Arrowrock Reservoir – 10,000 Rainbow Trout. Be sure to properly identify trout species, as bull trout utilize the reservoir throughout much if not all of the year.
Esther Simplot Pond – 1,300 Rainbow Trout. Located next to the Boise River, this park offers fishing and swimming, walking and biking paths, docks, shelters, playground, and a beach.
Horseshoe Bend Mill Pond – 900 Rainbow Trout. Just north of town, this pond features easy access and productive fishing for bass and trout in a pleasant setting. This pond is one of more than seventy 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.
Mann Creek Reservoir – 2,500 Rainbow Trout. This reservoir provides a diverse fishery. Warm water anglers may target crappie and largemouth bass. In addition, the reservoir supports a healthy rainbow trout population.
Marsing Pond – 900 Rainbow Trout. A small community pond located within a city park with shady picnic areas alongside the Snake River.
Parkcenter Pond – 750 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 with maturing trees.
Weiser Community Pond – 500 Rainbow Trout. This community pond offers an easily accessible shoreline and dock fishing.
Magic Valley Region
Blair Trail Pond – 2,000 Rainbow Trout. Located on Little Canyon Creek, this is a remote desert water surrounded by sagebrush solitude.
Dog Creek Reservoir – 5,000 Rainbow Trout. Where is it located and why should you go there? Learn what to expect from this high desert reservoir in this video:
Lake Walcott – 24,000 Rainbow Trout.
Southeast Region
American Falls Reservoir – 42,000 Rainbow Trout.
Blackfoot Reservoir – 80,000 Rainbow Trout.
Chesterfield Reservoir – 16,200 Rainbow Trout.
Salmon Region
Mosquito Flat Reservoir – 1,000 Rainbow Trout.