Idaho Department of Fish and Game

10/05/2023 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/06/2023 08:18

Rainbow trout stocking schedule for October 2023 in the Magic Valley Region

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Thursday, October 5, 2023 - 3:00 PM MDT

Over 36,000 catchable rainbow trout to be stocked through out the Magic Valley in October

Hatchery personnel from Fish and Game's Magic Valley Region will be stocking approximately 36,450 10-12" catchable-sized rainbow trout in October. All stocking dates and numbers of fish are approximate.

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.

Body of Water Week to be Stocked Number to be Stocked
Salmon Falls Creek October 2-6 300
Freedom Park Pond October 2-6 500
Filer Kids Pond & Filer Pond October 2-6 450
Burley Pond October 2-6 2,000
Dog Creek Reservoir October 2-6 5,000
Emerald Lake October 2-6 750
Blair Trail Reservoir October 9-13 2,000
Filer Kids Pond & Filer Pond October 9-13 450
Freedom Park Pond October 9-13 1,000
Lake Walcott October 23-27 24,000

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

Many of the waters highlighted below 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. Click here to buy a license.

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) set-ups 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 2022-2024 Idaho Fishing Seasons and Rules Booklet, which outlines season dates, special regulations and bag limits at any Idaho Fish and Game offices or most sporting goods stores statewide.

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