Magic Valley Region Gets More Trout

Fall fishing in Southern Idaho can be a great experience. The cooler days combined with fall colors make for a relaxing day on the water. On most lakes, reservoirs, and streams fishing can get pretty slow in the dog days of summer because most fish become less active in the warmer water. Water temperatures are dropping rapidly and with the dropping water temperatures comes the return of the "bite." Despite the severe drought conditions seen this past summer, good trout fishing can still be found. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game hatcheries stock many waters even as late as September. This includes Dierkes Lake, Snake River at Niagara Springs, the Oster Lakes at Hagerman Hatchery, Gavers Lagoon at Hayspur Hatchery, Stone Reservoir, Salmon Falls Creek, Rock Creek, and Freedom Park Pond. Many regional waters were heavily impacted by drought conditions and were not suitable for stocking. This resulted in an unusual surplus of 8 to 10-inch rainbow trout remaining for fall stocking. Approximately 15,000 rainbow trout will be stocked in October into areas such as Lake Walcott, Magic Reservoir, Dierkes Lake, and Emerald Lake. Some areas, such as Emerald Lake, have benefited already receiving more trout than scheduled, and there are more to come. These recently stocked fish are ripe for the catching, and anglers may find their local fishing hole less crowded this time of the year. Ice anglers will likely see a few more rainbow trout this winter compared to past years. Current fishing and stocking reports can be found at the Idaho Fish and Game's website. Southern Idaho waters have received millions of trout donated by private hatcheries located here in the Magic Valley. Private hatcheries donated nearly 2 million trout that were stocked into local waters. These donated rainbow trout ranged in length from 3 to 22 inches long. The majority of the trout were stocked into the Snake River above Upper Salmon Dam, Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir, Oster Lakes, Crystal Lake, Dierkes Lake, Riley Creek, Roseworth Reservoir, and Dog Creek Reservoir. People who trout fish in the Magic Valley Region will benefit from the generous donation of Clear Springs Hatchery (1.7 million trout donated), Idaho Trout Processors (56,000 trout donated), Rangen's Hatchery (33,000 trout donated), Pisces Hatchery (350 22-inch trout donated), and the University of Idaho Hatchery (1,700 trout donated). There are still many opportunities to wet a line this fall, even if it's between or during hunting trips.