Anglers have another fishing opportunity and improved facilities at the Red Top Pond near Caldwell. Idaho Fish and Game recently added a fishing dock and parking area to the 10-acre pond. It has warmwater fish, such as bass and bluegill, which have existed for years and are self-sustaining populations.
The pond is a former gravel quarry that was mined by the Idaho Transportation Department, which worked with Idaho Fish and Game and ITD to keep it available to the public after mining was completed. The Boise Valley Fly Fishermen contributed money to the help fund the fishing access, and the Idaho Fish & Wildlife Foundation contributed a $5,000 grant to help fund the project.
"Anglers should be very happy. Once we lose access to a property, it's not often that we get it back,” Fish and Game’s Southwest Regional Fisheries Manager Joe Kozfkay said. “Local anglers should be very appreciative because without the thoughtful efforts from a couple of people at ITD, this wouldn't have happened."
“Working with Idaho Fish and Game to transform a depleted materials source at Redtop Pond into a family fishing area to enhance recreational opportunities is a great example of state agencies working together to benefit the public,” said ITD District 3 Engineer Amy Revis
Anglers and other recreationists are reminded that only Red Top Pond is open to the public, and hunting is not allowed there. The adjacent ponds to the east and north are on private property, and there is no public access to them.
For more information about Red Top Pond, including a map to get there, go to http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/ifwis/fishingPlanner/water/?id=15187.