Statewide trout stocking highlights for February

Many of Idaho’s lakes and ponds are soon going to be bolstered with Idaho Fish and Game stocking roughly 7,600 rainbow trout this February. 

Many of these fisheries are easy to access, family-friendly 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. 

Fishing for stocked rainbow can be a great way to introduce budding anglers to the sport by using simple, inexpensive setups like worm/marshmallow combinations or commercial baits like PowerBait or Crave placed either near the bottom or below a bobber; and, as anglers know, there’s nothing quite like a trout fighting on the end of your line. 

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 — available at any Idaho Fish and Game office or most sporting goods stores statewide — or get online for season dates, special regulations and bag limits.