Idaho Power Stocks Snake River With 80,000 Trout
Rainbow trout released at three Snake River-area sites to support public angling opportunities.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Fishing
Idaho Power released nearly 80,000 pan-sized rainbow trout into fishing spots along the Snake River. The largest share, about 52,000 fish, went into C.J. Strike Reservoir south of Mountain Home.
Why it matters
The stocking supports recreational fishing access on the Snake River for anglers across Idaho. It is part of Idaho Power's commitment under its federal license to operate hydroelectric power plants on the river.
Idaho Power's three stocking sites received about 52,000, 19,000 and 8,000 rainbow trout, with most fish roughly one foot long and those near American Falls measuring 14 to 16 inches. The release totals are from the utility's own stocking records, and the source does not give exact release dates.
The players
Idaho Power
Idaho Power is the utility that operates hydroelectric power plants on the Snake River and conducts the trout stocking program under its federal license.
The details
The fish were raised at hatcheries in the Hagerman Valley before being transported to C.J. Strike Reservoir, the Bell Rapids sportsman's access on Lower Salmon Falls Reservoir, and the McTucker Creek access upstream of American Falls Reservoir. Idaho Power conducts these stocking events twice a year.
Timeline
Idaho Power conducts stocking events twice annually.
Season Trajectory
The stocking is one of the recreational commitments Idaho Power carries under its federal license to operate hydroelectric plants on the Snake River. Rather than a one-off release, it follows a twice-yearly schedule tied to the utility's obligations for public fishing access along the river system.
Anglers fishing C.J. Strike Reservoir, Lower Salmon Falls Reservoir, and the McTucker Creek area can expect newly stocked rainbow trout in those waters. The fish are pan-sized, with most about one foot long, which makes them a practical target for a day on the water.
The takeaway
The twice-yearly stocking gives Idaho anglers predictable access to rainbow trout along the Snake River system. Check local regulations and access points before heading out to the reservoirs or creek sites.
Further reading
For more on where to cast a line, browse our Fishing coverage across Idaho's rivers and reservoirs.
