Trout Stocked by the Thousands in Magic Valley

By Kelton Hatch, Regional Conservation Educator, Magic Valley Region Fishing in the Magic Valley is phenomenal and is getting better as private hatcheries throughout the region continue to donate excess fish to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. In the last few weeks, private hatcheries have donated 32,585, one-pound rainbow trout which were stocked in Crystal Lake, Oster Pond #1, Riley Creek, Lake Cleveland and the Snake River. Fish and Game has also stocked nearly 28,000 other state-raised fish throughout the region. Fishing is going to be exceptional over the next few weeks," said Joe Chapman, Hagerman Fish Hatchery Manager. "With the fish we typically stock and the donated fish, anglers should have a great time." Because of high water temperatures, Fish and Game has limited places to stock the newly acquired fish. "Generally we don't like to stock fish in waters above 70 degrees, Chapman said. "Warm water will stress the fish and they can die if water temperatures exceed 75 degrees. "What people need to do now is get out there while the fishing is good and make some great memories with their kids. Right now is the Good Old Days' for fishing."