Statewide trout stocking highlights for July

Many of Idaho’s lakes and ponds are soon going to be bolstered with Idaho Fish and Game stocking over 110,000 catchable-sized rainbow trout this July. 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

Day Rock Pond – 300 Rainbow Trout. This is a small pond in the Silver Valley where anglers can easily fish from the shore.

Elsie Lake – 810 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.

Gene Day Pond – 900 Rainbow Trout. Also known as Osburn Pond, this water is stocked regularly so catch rates should be good!

Lower Glidden Lake – 810 Rainbow Trout. This is another beautiful drive-to alpine lake. It's a great spot for anglers of all levels and a scenic choice for a small boat. It also offers plenty of hiking trails and wildlife.