Idaho Power stocked Milner Reservoir with more than 20,000 channel catfish on June 27, according to a news release from Idaho Power. The annual stocking event provides anglers a chance to catch a catfish with a $50 reward tag.
Most of the fish released into Milner Reservoir range from 6 to 12 inches long. Channel catfish grow quickly and holdover fish from previous stockings could exceed 20 inches in length and weigh up to 10 pounds. Some of the fish stocked in previous years could also have a $50 reward tag.
This year marks the third and final season that Idaho Power, working in conjunction with the Idaho Department of Fish & Game, is including tagged fish among those being released. Anglers who catch tagged fish can report them by calling 1-866-258-0338 or visiting tag.idaho.gov.
The cash rewards are part of a study by Idaho Power and IDFG to track how many anglers fish for and catch channel catfish in Milner Reservoir. The company follows all applicable IDFG regulations with its fish-planting operations.
This is the 27th year Idaho Power has stocked catfish in Milner Reservoir. There is boat access to the reservoir at the following locations:
- Lex Kunau Park boat ramp near the Highway 27 Bridge in Burley
- North Freedom Park boat ramp near the Highway 30 Bridge in Heyburn
- Bureau of Land Management access near Milner Dam on the south side of the reservoir
There is also bank access to the reservoir, but it is limited because of private land.
The fish release is part of Idaho Power’s requirements to enhance public recreation as part of its federal license to operate the 59.4-megawatt hydroelectric generation facility at Milner Dam. The dam was originally built in 1905. Idaho Power has operated the power plant there since 1992.
