More trout are on their way to Panhandle waters

If you're looking for a good excuse to enjoy the sunshine and your favorite drink while soaking a line, look no further. Over 3,700 catchable-size (10- to 12-inch) rainbow trout will be stocked in the Panhandle Region in August.

Waters to be stock August 8-12 include: Day Rock Pond, 500; Elsie Lake, 450; Gene Day Pond, 1,000; and Lower Glidden Lake, 450.

Those to be stocked with 450 each between Aug. 15-19 include Lucky Friday Pond, Elsie Lake and Lower Glidden Lake.

Many of the waters highlighted above 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, bit.ly/3JvB1zO, or call 800-554-8685.

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.