The sun is shining and the birds are chirping! It's time to grab your fishing gear and enjoy the nice weather! Over 40,000 catchable-size (10 to 12 inch) rainbow trout are headed to the Panhandle Region in April.
Stocking of all waters is tentative and dependent on river/lake/pond conditions (angler safety concerns); dates may change due to weather or staffing constraints.
| Body of Water | Week to be Stocked |
Number to be Stocked |
|---|---|---|
| Fernan Lake | Apr 4-8 | 6,500 |
| Lower Twin Lake | Apr 4-8 | 1,420 |
| Round Lake | Apr 4-8 | 1,250 |
| Freeman Lake | Apr 11-15 | 1,350 |
| Fernan Lake | Apr 11-15 | 5,500 |
| Cocolalla Lake | Apr 11-15 | 6,600 |
| Lower Twin Lake | Apr 11-15 | 1,420 |
| Round Lake | Apr 11-15 | 1,250 |
| Robinson Lake | Apr 11-15 | 1,680 |
| Kelso Lake | Apr 11-15 | 2,500 |
| Bonner Lake | Apr 18-22 | 1,000 |
| Post Falls Park Pond | Apr 18-22 | 1,000 |
| Smith Lake | Apr 18-22 | 900 |
| Jewel Lake | Apr 18-22 | 1,350 |
| Antelope Lake | Apr 18-22 | 500 |
| Brush Lake | Apr 25-29 | 1,200 |
| Gene Day Pond | Apr 25-29 | 1,000 |
| Spicer Pond | Apr 25-29 | 1,000 |
| Jewel Lake | Apr 25-29 | 1,350 |
| Smith Lake | Apr 25-29 | 900 |
| Sinclair Lake | Apr 25-29 | 500 |
| Granite Lake | Apr 25-29 | 900 |
For maps of these fishing locations and other angling destinations in Idaho please visit the Idaho Fish Planner.
Many of the waters highlighted below are easy to access, family-friendly fishing destinations. All you need to get started is a fishing license and some basic tackle. Annual adult fishing licenses cost around $30, junior licenses (ages 14-17) cost $16, and youth under 14 fish for free.
To purchase a license:
- Online
- Phone: (800) 554-8685
- At a Fish and Game office
- At a license vendor
Fishing for stocked rainbow trout, particularly in community ponds, is a great way to introduce new anglers to the sport by using simple (and relatively thrifty) set-ups like worm/marshmallow combinations or commercial baits like Power Bait or Crave, either near the bottom or below a bobber. The Learn to Fish webpage offers diagrams for basic bait rigs.
Most Idaho waters are open to fishing year-round, but some may have slightly different rules. Be sure to pick up a 2022-24 Idaho Fishing Seasons and Rules booklet, which outlines season dates, special regulations and bag limits at any Idaho Fish and Game offices or most sporting goods stores statewide.
Need a little help reading Idaho's fishing regulations? Click here to view a short video on how to use the fishing season and rules book.
Contact the Panhandle Region office at (208) 769-1414 and follow us on the Panhandle Region Facebook page for regular news and updates.