Approximately 110,000 catchable-sized rainbow trout will be stocked throughout the state this July.

Many of Idaho’s lakes and ponds are soon going to be bolstered with Idaho Fish and Game stocking over 110,000 catchable-sized rainbow trout this July. 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!

SOUTHWEST REGION

• Payette Lake — 5,000 Rainbow Trout. This beautiful lake is one of the most popular recreation spots in the State!
• Rowland Pond — 300 Rainbow Trout. Also known as Scout Pond, this is a pretty pond in the woods close to McCall. Anglers will find good bank fishing in this peaceful setting.
• Boise River, Strawberry Glen to Barber Dam — 1,296 Rainbow Trout
• Boise River, Middleton to Eagle Road — 1,000 Rainbow Trout
• Boise River, Arrowrock Reservoir to MF/NF Confluence — 1,750 Rainbow Trout
• Bull Trout Lake — 2,000 Rainbow Trout. One of several serene mountain lakes, this lake is nestled in the pines above Banner Summit. While anglers can easily fish from the shore, the lakes in this area are ideal for canoes, kick boats and float tubes.
• Lowman Ponds — 720 Rainbow Trout. Enjoy good mountain fishing along the South Fork Payette River.
• Marsing Pond — 270 Rainbow Trout. This pond is located off State Hwy 55 below the Snake River bridge.
• Middle Fork Payette River — 1,500 Rainbow. Access is great along a well-traveled road with good camping areas nearby.
• North Fork Boise River — 3,500 Rainbow Trout. This is a popular mountain river where anglers can target a variety of salmonids within the mainstem and tributaries. Catch rates on this river won’t disappoint you!
• South Fork Payette River — 3,500 Rainbow Trout. Stocking locations include: Mountain View Campground, near the fire station at Jolene Drive, Helende Campground, 10-mile Bridge (immediately adjacent to Lowman Ponds), and near Grandjean.