(Idaho Fish and Game Press Release, March 27, 2026)
Many of Idaho’s lakes and ponds are soon going to be bolstered with Idaho Fish and Game stocking over 214,000 catchable-sized rainbow trout this April. 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!
Bannock Reservoir – 1,000 rainbow trout
Located within the Portneuf Wellness Complex Park near the County Fairgrounds in Pocatello, this community park offers trout fishing with many recreational amenities nearby. Multiple docks provide fishing access around this 5-acre pond.
Bear River – 2,500 rainbow trout
These fish will be stocked in the scenic Oneida Narrows reach of the river.
Blackfoot Reservoir – 30,000 rainbow trout
This large waterbody north of Soda Springs offers abundant boating opportunity and also supports good bass fishing.
Crystal Springs Pond – 1,000 rainbow trout
This spring fed pond is always clear and cool! Located near Springfield, this family friendly pond has a paved walking path and docks for easy fishing access.
Dingle Gravel Pond – 1,000 rainbow trout
This pond is located adjacent to the Bear River east of Dingle in Bear Lake County.
Edson Fichter Pond – 975 rainbow trout
This community pond is located along the Portneuf River at Edson Fichter Nature Area. It features several docks and a trail for access around the pond. Just minutes from downtown Pocatello, this site offers local anglers a convenient escape close to home.
Kelly Park Pond – 250 rainbow trout
Located in Soda Springs, accessing this pond requires a short walk, but it’s a fun place to take the kids fishing. Lace up the boots, grab the fishing poles, and take the kids on a nature walk!
McTucker Pond – 2,500 rainbow trout
Located near Springfield, McTucker Pond is a cluster of 8 ponds surrounded by willows and large cottonwood trees. There are many places for kids to fish from the bank. No docks are present anymore.
Montpelier Rearing Pond – 250 rainbow trout
This little fishing spot is tucked into a scenic high desert canyon in the hills east of Montpelier. It’s a great spot to take kids fishing.
Snake River – 8,000 rainbow trout
These fish will be stocked below the American Falls Dam at Three Layer Park.
