BOISE, Idaho — Anglers’ odds of taking home a stringer full of trout from the Snake River are a lot better this week.
More than 70,000 rainbow trout are being released at Twin Falls, Bell Rapids, and C.J. Strike Reservoir this week. Another 8,000 will go to American Falls Reservoir later this month, according to Idaho Power.
About 52,000 fish will go to C.J. Strike Reservoir, south of Mountain Home. The releases will be split between the Cottonwood Park boat launch and the Jack’s Creek Sportsman’s Access.
“Idaho Power will release another 4,000 fish at Centennial Park near Twin Falls, and 15,000 will go into Lower Salmon Falls Reservoir at the Bell Rapids boat ramp,” said Idaho Power spokesman Brad Bowlin. “Later this month, the company will add 8,000 trout to American Falls Reservoir.”
The fish are raised in the Hagerman Valley. They average ten to twelve inches when released —- the perfect size for a frying pan or grill.
Idaho Power’s federal licenses to operate hydroelectric facilities on the Snake River require the company to preserve and enhance recreational opportunities. As part of that effort, the company stocks various locations along the Middle Snake each year.
The company also provides an online map –- at docs.idahopower.com -- that shows release locations and recommended access points for anglers.
“Some trout released previously have metal jaw tags. Anglers are asked to report any tagged fish they catch by recording the tag number, date, the reward value (if any) and the approximate location where the fish was caught. They can call toll free, 1-800-388-6011, and provide information including their name, mailing address, telephone number and whether the fish was kept or released,” Bowlin said.
Anglers who report tagged fish through the toll-free number are entered in a drawing for $1,000. You can visit idahopower.com/fish for more information.
(photo courtesy: Idaho Power)
