Idaho Power stocked more than 70,000 rainbow trout at popular Snake River fishing spots this week, with another 8,000 destined for American Falls in November.
Summer may be over, but it’s still fishing season in southern Idaho. The opportunity to land a rainbow trout improved this week, thanks to Idaho Power’s annual fall fish stocking event.
The company added more than 70,000 pan-sized trout at four popular fishing spots along the Snake River.
Another 8,000 trout will be placed above American Falls Reservoir in early November.
Over the course of three days, Idaho Power tankers delivered 15,000 fish to the Bell Rapids sportsman’s access area, 4,000 to Centennial Park below the city of Twin Falls and 52,250 to C.J. Strike Reservoir south of Mountain Home. Those fish were split between the Jacks Creek and Cottonwood access areas.
Anglers at C.J. Strike Reservoir should be aware that the fish cleaning station there is now closed for the season.
Some of the fish released at Centennial Park and Bell Rapids have jaw tags. Anglers who report catching one of these tagged fish will have their names entered in an annual drawing to win $1,000.
Reporting tags helps the company evaluate the success of its annual stocking effort, which also includes a spring release. Idaho Power’s federal licenses to operate hydroelectric facilities on the Snake River require the company to provide recreational opportunities for the public.
“Our twice-annual trout releases are always popular with folks who enjoy fishing the Snake River. We enjoy providing this recreational opportunity, and the feedback we get from anglers is an important tool that we use for future stocking events,” said Idaho Power Resource Professional Tracy Richter.
The fish released this week were raised in the Hagerman Valley and average about 12 inches long. Anglers who catch a jaw-tagged fish should note the tag number, the date the fish was caught, the location and whether the fish was released. Call 1-800-388-6011 to be eligible for the drawing. For more information about tagged trout or Idaho Power’s numerous fish programs, visit idahopower.com/fish.
