Fish and Game to stock Panhandle lakes through June
An Idaho Department of Fish and Game biologist handles a hatchery rainbow trout.
File photo courtesy of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game
Many of Idaho’s lakes and ponds are going to be bolstered with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game stocking roughly 265,000 catchable-sized rainbow trout, as well as a couple of tiger trout stocking locations this June. Wondering if the stocking trucks are going to be backing up to your favorite fishing hole? Fish and Game hatchery staff boiled down some of the most notable stocking highlights coming to local fisheries this month.
Many fisheries highlighted below are easy to access, family-friendly fishing destinations. All that's needed 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. For more information, go to Fish and Game's online vendor to buy a license.
Fishing for stocked rainbow trout can be a great way to introduce budding anglers to the sport by using simple, inexpensive setups like worm/marshmallow combinations or commercial baits like PowerBait or Crave, placed either near the bottom or below a bobber; and as anglers know, there’s nothing quite like a trout fighting on the end of your line. 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 — available at any Idaho Fish and Game office or most sporting goods stores statewide — or download online to look at season dates, special regulations and bag limits.
June Fish Stocking Highlights — Panhandle Region:
Elsie Lake — 1,350 rainbow trout
Offering excellent fishing for anglers of all levels, you will also find a beautiful setting. It's a drive-to mountain lake but the road is mountainous and rough.
Fernan Lake — 5,200 rainbow trout
A popular fishing spot 10 minutes from downtown Coeur d'Alene, anglers of all abilities can enjoy fishing from floating docks, miles of shoreline or from boats.
Gene Day Pond — 1,000 rainbow trout
Also known as Osburn Pond, this water is stocked regularly so catch rates should be good!
Sinclair Lake — 1,000 rainbow trout
A small, quiet lake beside the Moyie River, this is ideal for beginning and skilled anglers to enjoy good trout fishing.
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Connor Liess is a public information specialist with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.