Local lakes to be stocked with 43K fish

Dust off your fishing gear and head to one of the freshly stocked local lakes this April.

If you're looking for a good excuse to enjoy some spring weather while soaking a line, look no further. Over 43,000 catchable-size (10-12 inches) rainbow trout will be stocked in the Panhandle Region in April.

Stocking of all waters is tentative and dependent on river/lake/pond conditions (angler safety concerns); dates may change due to weather or staffing constraints.

Fish stocking schedule for the Panhandle Region in April 2023

For maps of these fishing locations and other angling destinations in Idaho please visit the Idaho Fish Planner.

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.

Buy a license at idfg.idaho.gov/buy-online; 800-554-8685; at a Fish and Game office or at a licensed vendor.

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) setups 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 office or most sporting goods stores statewide.

Need a little help reading Idaho's fishing regulations? Go to the IdahoFishGame youtube channel to view a short video on how to use the fishing season and rules book.