Grab your fishing pole, pack the cooler, and don’t forget your fishing license. Personnel from Idaho Fish and Game’s hatcheries in the Southeast Region will be releasing over 20,000 catchable-sized rainbow trout at the following locations during June. Fish on!

Here is the schedule:

n Bannock Reservoir at the Portneuf Wellness Complex: June 3-7 (500 fish)

n Bannock Reservoir at the Portneuf Wellness Complex: June 10-14 (500 fish)

n Bear River below Alexander Dam: June 17-21 (250 fish)

n Bear River below Oneida Dam: June 10-14 (1,500 fish)

n Bear River below Oneida Dam: June 24-28 (1,250 fish)

n Blackfoot River below dam and at Sage Hen, Cutthroat and Graves campgrounds: June 3-7 (1,000 fish)

n Crystal Springs Pond: June 3-7 (375 fish)

n Crystal Springs Pond: June 17-21 (375 fish)

n Cub River at Willow Flat Campground: June 3-7 (500 fish)

n Devil Creek: June 24-28 (2,160 fish)

n East Fork Rock Creek: June 3-7 (500 fish)

n Edson Fichter Pond: June 3-7 (625 fish)

n Edson Fichter Pond: June 17-21 (625 fish)

n Eightmile Creek: June 3-7 (500 fish)

n Johnson Reservoir: June 3-7 (1,750 fish)

n Kelly Park Pond: June 3-7 (250 fish)

n Mill Creek at Malad Summit Campground: June 24-28 (250 fish)

n Montpelier Creek: June 10-14 (fish 500)

n Montpelier Creek: June 24-28 (500 fish)

n Montpelier Rearing Pond: June 10-14 (250 fish)

n Montpelier Rearing Pond: June 24-28 (250 fish)

n Montpelier Reservoir (stocking tiger trout): June 17-21 (1,000 fish)

n Pebble Creek: June 17-21 (500 fish)

n Portneuf River below Pebble and above Lava Hot Springs: June 17-21 (1,250 fish)

n Portneuf River below Center Street Bridge in Lava Hot Springs: June 17-21 (330 fish

n Rose Pond: June 3-7 (1,000 fish)

n Snake River at Tilden Bridge, Twin Bridges, Rose, Firth, and Shelley: June 24-28 (2,000 fish)

n Toponce Creek: June 17-21 (750 fish)

Grab your fishing pole, pack the cooler, and don’t forget your fishing license. Personnel from Idaho Fish and Game’s hatcheries in the Southeast Region will be releasing over 35,000 catchable-sized rainbow trout at the following locations during May. Fish on!

Here is the schedule:

• Portneuf Wellness Complex Pond: May 7-11 (500 fish)
• Portneuf Wellness Complex Pond: May 21-25 (500 fish)
• Bear River, below Oneida Dam: April 29-May 3 (1,500 fish)
• Bear River, below Oneida Dam: May 20-24 (1,500 fish)
• Blackfoot River, below dam: May 20-24 (1,000 fish)
• Bloomington Creek: May 27-31 (200 fish)
• Cherry Creek: May 27-31 (100 fish)
• Crowthers Reservoir: May 20-24 (1,100 fish)
• Crystal Springs Pond: April 30-May 4 (375 fish)
• Crystal Springs Pond: May 21-25 (375 fish)
• Cub River: May 20-24 (500 fish)
• Deep Creek Reservoir: April 29-May 3 (3,990 fish)
• Devils Creek Reservoir: May 6-10 (2,160 fish)
• Dingle Gravel Pond: May 13-17 (500 fish)
• Dingle Gravel Pond: May 20-24 (500 fish)
• East Fork Rock Creek: April 30-May 4 (500 fish)
• Edson Fichter Pond: May 7-11 (625 fish)
• Edson Fichter Pond: May 21-25 (625 fish)
• Hawkins Reservoir: April 29-May 3 (840 fish)
• Kelly Park Pond: May 13-17 (250 fish)
• Kelly Park Pond: May 20-24 (250 fish)
• Little Valley Reservoir: May 20-24 (1,000 fish)
• McTucker Ponds: May 14-18 (750 fish)
• Mill Creek: May 20-24 (250 fish)
• Montpelier Rearing Pond: May 20-24 (250 fish)
• Montpelier Rearing Pond: May 27-31 (250 fish)
• Montpelier Reservoir: May 6-10 (3,500 fish)
• Paris Creek: May 27-31 (250 fish)
• Pebble Creek: May 27-31 (500 fish)
• Pleasantview Reservoir: May 6-10 (1,500 fish)
• Portneuf River in Lava Hot Springs: May 6-10 (330 fish)
• Portneuf River in Lava Hot Springs: May 20-24 (fish)330
• Rose Pond: May 14-18 (1,000 fish)
• Snake River near American Falls: May 28-June 1 (4,000 fish)
• Snake River north of American Falls Reservoir: May 28-June 1 (1,000 fish)
• Topance Creek: May 27-31 (750 fish)
• Trout Creek: April 29-May 3 (2,000 fish)
• Weston Reservoir: May 13-17 (1,500 fish)

The number of trout actually released may be altered by weather, water conditions, equipment problems or schedule changes. If delays occur, trout will be stocked when conditions become favorable.

The take season for mountain lion has closed in Game Management Units 70, 73, and 73A in southeast Idaho effective Jan. 7. The 2017-18 Big Game Seasons and Rules states that the mountain lion take season is to be closed when eight female mountain lions…

It may seem a little crazy to leave the comforts of your home for the purpose of dangling a jig or a worm through a small hole in the ice, and there are those who worry about the safety of ice fishing, especially when you hear occasional stories of people falling through the ice. However, if you prepare properly and follow a few basic safety tips, ice fishing can truly be a fun and safe way to spend a day outdoors during the winter.

Ice fishing safety

Here are some things to keep in mind.

• Typically, 4 inches of good, hard ice is required to support an individual, and about 6 inches is necessary to support an ATV or snow machine. To check ice depth, use an auger to cut a hole near the bank and again several feet away from the bank. You will find that ice depths can vary to some degree across the same body of water.
• Don’t assume that snow-covered ice is safe ice. In fact, ice covered with snow for a prolonged period can actually become warmed due to the insulating effect of snow. And rain-on-snow events (typical in early winter and spring) will cause rapid melting of ice around the shoreline and near any hole cut in the ice.
• Some anglers will carry a 20 to 30 foot rope as a precaution in case someone falls through the ice, and there are even hand-held ice picks you can use to help you crawl out of a hole. These picks are connected with a rope or cord so that you can “string” the picks through your coat sleeves, leaving the picks to dangle by your hands for easy access.
• Probably the single most important safety rule to follow (besides checking ice thickness) happens to also be a law. Do not cut holes in the ice greater than 10 inches across. Holes can freeze over incompletely — even become hidden with snow — and an unsuspecting angler can fall through. The exception to this hole-size rule is for those who dipnet for cisco on Bear Lake.
• A real key for enjoying ice fishing is buying good clothing that protects and insulates. You may recall the ad campaign that says something like “There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear.” And let’s not forget that old but so wise saying from everyone’s mom, “dress in layers.” Portable heaters and quick-setup portable shelters sold at your favorite sporting goods store are wonderful, too, for staying warm out on the ice.
• Drink plenty of water and hot drinks (which offer both hydration and warmth), even if you don’t feel thirsty. Being well-hydrated helps your body maintain a safe core temperature.

Ice fishing gear

Ice fishing requires special ice fishing equipment. An ice fishing pole is very short, and there is no casting involved. You just let the bait or lure sink below the hole; sometimes you have to add a sinker. You can use worms, stinky bait (sometimes garlic scents work really well) and lures such as jigs. Remember that only artificial lures are allowed on some bodies of water — so check the regulations before you go.

There are buckets you can take to sit on — some even come with padded seats — and they help hold your stuff when you are getting on or off the ice. Camp chairs are fine, too. You will need slotted spoons for removing ice from the holes. Because you can have up to five poles per person when ice fishing on many Idaho waters, pole holders that sit right on the ice come in handy.

A sled for pulling your gear out onto the ice is also a must. I have tried using the sleds our family takes on the hill, but they don’t hold very much and your items can slide off. You can actually buy sleds with high sides that are perfect for holding everything— including your auger.

Lastly, don’t forget your fishing license for those anglers over 14, and take the time to review the regulations before heading to your favorite ice fishing spot.

Ice fishing with kids

Above all, when the kids have had enough, then it is time to go. You want them to leave with happy memories about their special day with you, and more importantly, they will want to join you next time!

Make the fishing adventure about them and for them. That means most of your time may be spent keeping bait on hooks, removing ice chunks from the hole and keeping their bodies full of hot chocolate — even if it means you don’t get to fish very much or at all.

Pack good snacks, hot beverages and water (remember staying hydrated helps you stay warm), and extra clothing and socks. A portable heater or a portable ice fishing shelter makes things extra comfortable — for you, too.

Popular spots for ice fishing

There is no shortage of places to ice fish in southeast Idaho. Some of Southeast Idaho’s popular locations include:

• American Falls Reservoir: This is a great place to catch some big trout and even perch through the ice. Remember, this is a large body of water, so ice conditions can vary greatly across the reservoir.
• Bear Lake: Cutthroat, lake trout, rainbow trout, whitefish and cisco can be pulled from this large water body that spans two states, Idaho and Utah. Don’t worry! You just need one valid fishing license from either state to fish this lake. As with other large water bodies, the ice conditions can get tricky quickly from spot to spot, so be extra mindful of ice conditions as you fish across this water body. Trout limit is two, and don’t keep any cutthroat unless they have a clipped adipose fin as evidenced by a healed scar. Cisco limit is 30. Dipnetting for these fish is permitted Jan. 1 to Feb. 15. Dipnets cannot be larger than 18 inches in any dimension; however, any size hole may be cut through the ice to catch cisco.
• Chesterfield Reservoir: This is very productive fishery and a fun place to catch some really nice rainbows. Imagine pulling a 2-pound fish through the ice! Anglers can only keep two fish. Fish and Game works with Caribou County to plow the roads. It can take a few days for the roads to be cleared after a heavy snow storm.
• Deep Creek and Devils Creek reservoirs: These bodies of water often see good catch rates during the winter with plenty of 12-inch planters and even some nicer fish pulling on the line; rainbows mainly.
• Daniels Reservoir: Remember, this is a trophy water. Only artificial lures are allowed, and there are size regulations on fish.
• Pocatello’s urban fisheries: The fishing ponds at both Edson Fichter Nature Area and the Portneuf Wellness Complex in Pocatello are very popular places to ice fish and offer the convenience of being right in town. There is a two-fish limit for each fishery.

These are just a few of the great places to ice fish in this region. For more information on where to go fishing, here or anywhere in the state, check out Idaho Fish and Game’s Fish Planner at idfg.idaho.gov. Just scroll to the bottom of the home page and there you will find the Fishing Planner tool for exploring fishing opportunities in Idaho. You can find detailed information about Idaho’s waters, stocking reports, access, species, facilities, maps and rules.

Enjoy your time outdoors this winter, and be safe in your travels! Best “fishes” to you and yours in the New Year!

Jennifer Jackson is the Regional Communications Manager for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, southeast region.

This is a reminder that Trapper Education will be mandatory starting July 1 for anyone who purchased their first Idaho trapping license on or after July 1, 2011.

The next Trapper Education class in the southeast region is scheduled for June 30 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Idaho Fish and Game office at 1345 Barton Road in Pocatello. To stay on schedule and complete the class in a timely manner, students will need to bring a sack lunch to eat while class is in session. We will not be releasing students for lunch. Also, a portion of the class will be held outside — rain or shine. Please come dressed appropriately.

Registration for this class can be completed online at idfg.idaho.gov/hunt/education. Cost of the class is $9.75 when registering online or $8 when you register in person at the regional Fish and Game office.

Please note that unlike Hunter Education classes, Trapper Education is offered fewer times throughout the year and is not available online at this time. If you know that you need Trapper Education, now is the time to get registered for a class. Though Idaho Fish and Game is working diligently to certify instructors and has scheduled four other classes in the region since last fall, do not bank on a class coming to your hometown. You might just need to travel for this one-day class to get certified before your planned trapping excursions.

Trapper Education covers trapping laws, ethical trapping, avoiding non-target catch, safety and basic trapping methods. Those interested in trapping wolves must take both Trapper Education and Wolf Trapper Education.

Jennifer Jackson is the Regional Conservation Educator for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, southeast region.

Are you an adult who would like to learn how to hunt but you don’t know where to start and don’t have anyone to show you how? Maybe you hunted before as a kid, but you really need some help to get started up again. That makes you the perfect candidate for an upcoming Idaho Wildavore class sponsored by Idaho Department of Fish and Game, the Southeast Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation and the Pocatello Trap Club.

An Idaho Wildavore is someone who likes to connect the mountains to their meals through hunting and fishing activities, and this next class will teach adults with little to no hunting experience just how to do that through turkey hunting.

A two-day turkey hunting workshop will be held the evening of April 5 and then again all day April 7.

Participants will learn about turkey biology, habitat needs, turkey management, hunting techniques and ethics, types of gear, shotgun handling and shooting, field dressing a turkey, meat care and so much more. There will even be mentored turkey hunts offered later in the spring for at least 20 workshop participants who have completed the two-day class and have earned their hunter education certification.

Workshop participants will need to provide basic gear and clothing appropriate for turkey hunting in spring weather conditions; however, Idaho Fish and Game will provide the shotgun and ammunition for the mentored hunt.

Cost of the workshop is $25 per person plus the cost of purchasing a turkey license and tag. An online hunter education course or independent study workbook must be completed before purchasing a license and tag for the mentored hunts later in the spring. For the online course option and field day, the cost is $33. Or, if you prefer the independent study workbook option with field day, the total cost is $8. The field day will be scheduled specifically for workshop participants at a later time.

The ideal candidate for this Idaho Wildavore turkey workshop has never hunted before (or has very little hunting experience) and does not have access to experienced hunting mentors. Those who apply must also be at least 18 years of age.

For more information or to submit an application for the Idaho Wildavore turkey workshop, call Tessa Atwood at the Fish and Game office in Pocatello at 208-232-4703 or email her at tessa.atwood@idfg.idaho.gov. Space is limited.

Through the Idaho Wildavore program, Idaho Fish and Game hopes to help connect an untapped user group to conservation through the important role of hunting. It is Fish and Game’s desire to see workshop graduates leave with the basic knowledge and experience to continue hunting on their own, and even introduce the tradition to friends and family.

Jennifer Jackson is the Regional Conservation Educator for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Southeast Region.