Statewide trout stocking highlights for October

Many of Idaho’s lakes and ponds are soon going to be bolstered with Idaho Fish and Game stocking over 300,000 catchable-sized rainbow trout this October. Wondering if the stocking trucks are going to be backing up to your favorite fishing hole? We asked our Fish and Game hatchery staff to boil down some of the most notable stocking highlights coming to your local fishery this month.

Fishing for stocked rainbow trout can be a great way to introduce budding anglers to the sport by using simple, inexpensive setups. Many of these fisheries highlighted below are easy to access, family-friendly fishing destinations. 

All you need to get started is a fishing license, and youth (under 14) fish for free. If you need a license, purchasing one on the fly is easy to do with your smartphone — and you can start fishing immediately.

Panhandle Region

Kelso Lake — 1,000 rainbow trout

With easy access to this quiet forested lake, you will find good fishing opportunities from a large dock. It's a great place for a small boat, kayak or canoe along Idaho Birding Trail No. 14, so bring your binoculars!

Spicer Pond — 1,600 rainbow trout

This is a small, easily accessed pond next to the St. Maries River near the town of St. Maries.

Steamboat Pond — 1,125 rainbow trout

This easily accessible pond is located next to the North Fork Coeur d'Alene River. Anglers who might find fishing the river too difficult will enjoy harvesting a few trout from this pond.