Idaho Fish and Game to Stock Over 214,000 Rainbow Trout in Lakes and Ponds

Idaho Fish and Game (IDFG) is set to release more than 214,000 catchable-sized rainbow trout into lakes and ponds across the state this April, marking one of the largest seasonal stocking efforts in recent years. The initiative aims to bolster local fisheries and provide accessible fishing opportunities for both experienced anglers and beginners.

Statewide Stocking Effort

The stocking program, announced by IDFG on April 27, 2026, will distribute rainbow trout measuring 10 to 12 inches in length across all seven of Idaho’s administrative regions. The effort is part of the agency’s annual spring stocking schedule, which prioritizes locations where the fish are most likely to be caught by anglers.

“Fishing for stocked rainbow trout can be a great way to introduce budding anglers to the sport by using simple, inexpensive setups,” IDFG stated in a press release. The agency emphasized that no fishing license is required for youth under 14, making the activity more accessible to families.

Regional Breakdown of Stocking Locations

The trout will be distributed across dozens of lakes, reservoirs, and ponds, with some of the largest allocations going to popular fishing destinations. Below is a regional breakdown of key stocking locations and the number of trout allocated to each:

Panhandle Region

• Brush Lake – 2,160 rainbow trout
• Gene Day Pond – 1,500 rainbow trout
• Jewel Lake – 1,620 rainbow trout
• Kelso Lake – 2,200 rainbow trout
• Round Lake – 2,500 rainbow trout
• Smith Lake – 1,080 rainbow trout
• Spicer Pond – 800 rainbow trout
• Steamboat Pond – 900 rainbow trout

Clearwater Region

• Deyo Reservoir – 5,000 rainbow trout
• Kiwanis Park Pond – 900 rainbow trout
• Mann Lake – 6,300 yellow (banana) trout
• Robinson Pond – 300 rainbow trout
• Tolo Lake – 500 rainbow trout
• Winchester Lake – 6,000 rainbow trout

Southwest Region

• Cascade Reservoir – 25,000 rainbow trout
• Horsethief Reservoir – 14,790 rainbow trout
• Caldwell Rotary Pond – 675 rainbow trout
• Dick Knox Pond – 480 rainbow trout
• Esther Simplot Pond – 360 rainbow trout
• Horseshoe Bend Mill Pond – 420 rainbow trout
• Kleiner Pond – 540 rainbow trout
• Lowman Ponds – 360 rainbow trout
• Lucky Peak Reservoir – 13,550 rainbow trout
• Mann Creek Reservoir – 4,800 rainbow trout
• McDevitt Pond – 540 rainbow trout
• Parkcenter Pond – 420 rainbow trout
• Payette Greenway Pond – 330 rainbow trout
• Riverside Pond – 690 rainbow trout
• Settlers Park Pond – 150 rainbow trout
• Weiser Community Pond – 300 rainbow trout

Magic Valley Region

• Camas Kids Pond – 1,500 rainbow trout
• Cedar Creek Reservoir (Roseworth Reservoir) – 11,000 rainbow trout
• Dierkes Lake – 4,000 rainbow trout

Broader Stocking Program

The April stocking is part of IDFG’s larger annual effort, which releases over 30 million fish from state hatcheries into rivers, lakes, and reservoirs each year. The program includes fry, fingerlings, and catchable-sized fish from 18 species and 16 strains, with rainbow trout and kokanee salmon being the most commonly stocked.

Other species raised and planted by Idaho’s hatcheries include walleye, channel catfish, and tiger muskie. The agency’s stocking schedule is designed to support recreational fishing, with catchable-sized trout typically released in the spring, summer, and early fall.

Anglers can track stocking events through IDFG’s regional fishing reports, which provide updates on recent releases. The agency also maintains a historical database of over 100,000 stocking events dating back to 1967, allowing fishermen to identify locations with mature fish populations.

Accessibility and Community Impact

The stocking initiative is expected to have a significant impact on local communities, particularly in areas where fishing serves as a key recreational and economic activity. IDFG’s emphasis on accessibility—such as waiving license requirements for youth—aims to encourage participation among new anglers.

The agency’s press release highlighted the simplicity of trout fishing, noting that beginners can get started with minimal equipment. “All you need to get started is a fishing license, and youth (under 14) fish for free,” the statement read.

For those interested in participating, IDFG’s website provides detailed stocking schedules, regional fishing reports, and historical data to help anglers plan their trips. The April stocking is expected to provide ample opportunities for fishing enthusiasts throughout the spring and early summer.