Spring is here and so is a lot of fishing opportunity

If you're looking for a good way to kick off spring, look no further. Over 33,000 catchable-size (10 to 12 inch) rainbow trout will be stocked in the Panhandle Region in May.

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.

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

May 6-10: Fernan Lake, Cocolalla Lake, Freeman Lake, Kelso Lake, Lower Twin Lake, Mirror Lake, Robinson Lake and Round Lake.

May 13-17: Spicer Pond, Steamboat Pond, Gene Day Pond, Lucky Friday Pond and Day Rock Pond. 

May 20-24: Spicer Pond, Clee Creek Pond, Cocolalla Pond, Lower Twin Lake, Mirror Lake, Round Lake and Lower Twin Lake.

Many of the waters highlighted above 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.

To purchase a license:

• Online

• Phone: (800) 554-8685

• At a Fish and Game office

• At a license vendor

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 2022-24 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 here to view a short video on how to use the fishing season and rules book.

For additional information or questions, contact the Panhandle Regional office at 208-769-1414.

Follow us on the Panhandle Region Facebook page for regular updates and news, or sign up here to be on our regular email list.