Here is a quick summary of what you need to know about some of these fun fisheries!
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American Falls Reservoir - 42,000 rainbow trout. At 55,000 acres, this body of water is the largest of Idaho's Snake River reservoirs! Yet, because of its variety of bays, inlets, and coves along the shoreline, it provides a fishing experience similar to smaller waters which anglers in small watercrafts can enjoy. Besides rainbow trout, anglers can fish for browns, cutthroats, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and yellow perch. The town of American Falls is at the southwest end of the reservoir, where there are also several boat launches and fuel available. There's also services and a boat launch available near Aberdeen, midway up the reservoir on the west side. Camping is available at Massacre Rocks State Park, as well as several private RV parks and campgrounds on or near the reservoir.
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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. The six-acre pond is surrounded by playgrounds, soccer fields, basketball courts, running and biking trails, and an amphitheater for community events. Multiple docks provide fishing access around the pond.
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Bear River (Oneida Narrows reach below the dam) - 1,500 rainbow trout. These fish will be stocked in the very scenic Oneida Narrows reach of the river below the dam. This popular section offers the longest continuous public access along the entire Bear River. Make it an overnight trip and set up camp at Red Point Campground. Ten developed sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Blackfoot Reservoir - 81,200 rainbow trout. This is the second largest reservoir in southeast Idaho and covers nearly 17,000 acres when full. Anglers can catch cutthroat trout, rainbows, and yellow perch. Bring your boat or your RV and plan to stay awhile! There are boat ramps, docks, and nearby campgrounds and restroom facilities.
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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!
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Edson Fichter Pond - 1500 rainbow trout. This 3-acre pond is located just minutes from downtown Pocatello and offers local anglers of all ages a convenient escape close to home. Nestled within the 40-acre Edson Fichter Nature Area, this pond features several docks and a trail for access around the pond. Your dog is welcome to be your fishing buddy-if leashed while at the pond and on the trails. However, if they need to cool off or would like to practice their retrieving skills, there is a "puppy pond" built just for them on the same property.
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Hawkins Reservoir - 2000 rainbow trout. At nearly 40 acres, this nice-sized reservoir is a great place to bring your fishing boat. Maybe consider bringing your camper or tent to take advantage of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) campground located adjacent to the reservoir. The campground offers 10 developed sites, 2 vault bathrooms, parking areas, picnic tables, and nearby access to BLM and US Forest Service OHV trails. No fees for camping, and it is first come, first served.
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.
If you need detailed information about Idaho's waters, fish species, facilities, maps and rules, check out the Idaho Fishing Planner !