Get ready to reel 'em in

By T.J. Ross

Senior Fisheries Research Biologist

Idaho Fish and Game staff will be stocking nearly 15,000 catchable-size, 10- to 12-inch, rainbow trout at locations across the Panhandle Region in September.

They include:

• Sept. 6 to 10

Post Falls Park Pond, 1,000; Smith Lake, 900; Snow Creek Pond, 300 and Gene Day Pond, 1,000.

• Sept. 13 to 17

Avondale Lake, 1,620; Fernan Lake, 3,000; Lower Twin Lake, 995; Mirror Lake, 1,080; and Round Lake, 540

•Sept. 20 to 24

Fernan Lake, 3,000 and Lower Twin Lake, 990

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.

"Fishing for stocked rainbow trout, particularly in community ponds, is a great way to introduce new anglers to the sport by using simple set-ups like worm/marshmallow combinations or commercial baits like Power Bait or Crave, either near the bottom or below a bobber," said a press release.

To purchase a license: bit.ly/3jEtgwf or call 800-554-8685.

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T.J. Ross is with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.