(Idaho Fish and Game, September 28, 2026)
Many of Idaho’s lakes and ponds are soon going to be bolstered with Idaho Fish and Game stocking over 210,000 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!
SOUTHEAST REGION
Bannock Reservoir – 500 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 (Below Alexander Dam) – 500 Rainbow Trout. For those willing to hike down to the bottom of the canyon, fishing can be really good in this section of the river.
Bear River (Oneida Narrows Below the Dam) – 1,500 Rainbow Trout. A very scenic stretch of river just north of Preston.
Blackfoot Reservoir – 20,000 Rainbow Trout. This large waterbody offers a multi-species fishing opportunity.
Chesterfield Reservoir – 19,200 Rainbow Trout. Known for big fish, this reservoir is a popular spot to plan a great fishing trip. This is the workhorse fishery of the Southeast Region!
Crowthers Reservoir – 1,100 Rainbow Trout. Tucked away on the northern edge of Malad City, this reservoir is a nice local fishing spot.
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.
Edson Fichter Pond – 2,000 Rainbow Trout. This community pond is located in southwest Pocatello along the Portneuf River at Edson Fichter Nature Area. It features several docks and a trail for access around the pond. Limited development and the Nature Area provide a rural feel. Just minutes from downtown Pocatello, this site offers local anglers a convenient escape close to home.
Montpelier Rearing Pond – 500 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 – 27,350 Rainbow Trout. Fish will be stocked at Shelley.
