Fish and Game starts stocking

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game will stock local waters with catchable trout.
Photo courtesy of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game

The Panhandle fish stocking schedule from the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.

by T.J. ROSS/Contributing Writer
| July 6, 2023 1:00 AM

For a good excuse to enjoy summer weather while soaking a line, look no further than local lakes stocked with over 7,000 10- to 12-inch rainbow trout through July in the Panhandle Region.

Stocking schedules are tentative and dependent on river/lake/pond conditions. Dates also may change due to weather or staffing constraints.

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

Many of the stocked waters are easy to access, family-friendly fishing destinations. To get started, anglers just need a fishing license and some basic tackle. Annual adult fishing licenses cost around $30, junior licenses for ages 14-17 cost $16, and youth under 14 fish for free.

To purchase a license:

• Go online to idfg.idaho.gov

• Call 800-554-8685

• Stop by the regional Fish and Game office at 2885 W. Kathleen Ave., Coeur d'Alene

• Buy a license through a local 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. Easy worm/marshmallow combos or commercial baits like Powerbait or Crave can be used either near the bottom or below a bobber. The "Learn to Fish" webpage offers diagrams for basic bait rigs.

• • •

T.J. Ross is a regional communications manager for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.

Image courtesy of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game

The Panhandle fish stocking schedule from the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.