Statewide trout stocking highlights for May
Idaho Department of Fish and Game | Bonner County Daily Bee | UPDATED 2 days, 2 hours AGO
Many of Idaho’s lakes and ponds are soon going to be bolstered with Idaho Fish and Game stocking over 240,000 catchable-sized rainbow trout this May. 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 the fisheries highlighted below are easy to access and 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.
Panhandle Region
Fernan Lake – 5,200 Rainbow Trout. A popular fishing spot 10 minutes from downtown Coeur d'Alene, anglers of all abilities can enjoy fishing from floating docks, miles of shoreline, or from boats.
Jewel Lake – 1,620 Rainbow Trout. A peaceful lake where anglers can catch rainbow trout, channel catfish, and lots of bluegill that will thrill young anglers. There is a single fishing dock to facilitate access in this forested, picturesque rural setting.
Kelso Lake – 2,500 Rainbow Trout. With easy access to this quiet forested lake, you will find good fishing opportunities from a large dock. It's a great place for a small boat, kayak or canoe along the Idaho Birding Trail 14 - bring your binoculars!
Round Lake – 2,500 Rainbow Trout. Beginners and experts alike will enjoy fishing this scenic lake. The full-featured park offers hiking trails and a swimming beach.
Sinclair Lake – 450 Rainbow Trout. A small, quiet lake beside the Moyie River, this is ideal for beginning and skilled anglers to enjoy good trout fishing.
Smith Lake – 1,575 Rainbow Trout. Located north of Bonners Ferry, diverse fishing opportunities are offered in a peaceful, forested setting. There is a Forest Service campground and picnic area nearby.
Spicer Pond – 800 Rainbow Trout. It is a small, easily accessible pond next to the St. Maries River near the town of St. Maries.
Steamboat Pond – 900 Rainbow Trout. The pond is next to the North Fork Coeur d'Alene River. Anglers who might find fishing the river too difficult will enjoy harvesting a few trout from this pond.
— Idaho Department of Fish and Game