(ID Fish and Game Press Release, June 3, 2026)
Grab your fishing pole, pack the cooler, and don’t forget your fishing license! Personnel from Idaho Fish and Game’s hatcheries in the Southeast Region will be releasing over 14,000 catchable-sized rainbow trout at various locations during June. Don’t forget, June 13 is Free Fishing Day this year and Idaho Fish and Game will help celebrate the day with special events scheduled throughout the state. Fish on!
Here is a quick summary of what you need to know about some of these fun fisheries!
- Bannock Reservoir – 3,000 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. The six-acre pond is surrounded by playgrounds, soccer fields, basketball courts, running and biking trails, and an amphitheater for community events. Multiple docks provide fishing access around the pond.Join us for a special Free Fishing Day event at this fishery on Saturday, June 13, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Poles and bait will be provided to use free of charge. And, thanks to ICCU and Scheels, there will be free fishing poles and gear for kids 14 and younger to take home while supplies last! Woo hoo!
- Bear River below Oneida Dam – 2,000 rainbow trout. These fish will be stocked in the very scenic Oneida Narrows reach of the river below the dam. This popular section of the river offers the longest continuous public access along the entire Bear River. Make it an overnight trip and set up camp at Red Point Campground. 10 developed sites are available on a first come, first served basis.
- Crystal Springs Pond – 1,000 rainbow trout. Located near Springfield, this family- friendly pond has a paved walking path and docks for easy fishing access.
- Cub River – 750 rainbow trout. This beautiful little river is located south of Preston. All fish will be stocked in and around the Willow Flat Campground area.
- Edson Fichter Pond – 950 rainbow trout. This 3-acre pond is located just minutes from downtown Pocatello and offers local anglers of all ages a convenient escape close to home. Nestled within the 40-acre Edson Fichter Nature Area, this pond features several docks and a trail for access around the pond. Your dog is welcome to be your fishing buddy—if leashed while at the pond and on the trails. However, if they need to cool off or would like to practice their retrieving skills, there is a “puppy pond” built just for them on the same property.
- Mill Creek – 250 rainbow trout. Located about 15 miles north of Malad City, this little creek flows in the shadows of Elkhorn Mountain. Fish will be stocked near the USFS Malad Summit Campground, so bring the whole family for an overnight camping adventure!
- Montpelier Creek – 1000 rainbow trout. Only a couple of miles from Montpelier, anglers can enjoy good creek fishing and a variety of camping options at the Montpelier Creel KOA (campsites and cabins).
- Montpelier Rearing Pond – 500 rainbow trout. This little fishing spot is tucked into a scenic high desert canyon at an elevation of 6500 feet in the hills east of Montpelier. It has very basic facilities, but offers a variety of fish species in a peaceful setting. Anglers can fish the pond, or head ½ mile north up Crow Creek Road to Montpelier Reservoir.
- Upper Kelly Park Pond – 250 rainbow trout. This great little fishery is located in Arthur Kelly Park in Soda Springs. Access to the upper pond is via an easy ¼-mile hiking trail beginning at the parking lot. This fishery provides fun fishing for anglers of all ages in a pretty setting all summer long.
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.
If you need detailed information about Idaho’s waters, fish species, facilities, maps and rules, check out the Idaho Fishing Planner on Fish and Game’s website.
