Still Water

Still Waters, June 26th, 2024

The IDF&G Southeast Region office manages Daniels, Springfield, Treasureton and Twenty-Four Mile Reservoirs to be trophy rainbow trout fisheries (no bait, barbless hooks, two fish limit, none under 20”). Studies for each have determined size, weight and population estimates for rainbow in each. This information helps fly fishers decide which reservoirs are most interesting to try for trophy rainbows. Treasureton is the reservoir we look at today. See below.

Rainbow trout as well as rainbow trout x cutthroat trout hybrids, commonly called hybrids, were captured at Treasureton Reservoir in the 2023 survey. Twenty-seven rainbow trout were sampled with an average length of 18 inches and average weight of 2.5 pounds. These averages have increased since the 2017 electrofishing survey when rainbow trout averaged 15.8 inches and 1.7 pounds. The largest rainbow trout captured in 2023 was 25.6 inches and weighed 5.75 pounds. 

Our survey also captured 21 hybrids with an average length of 16 inches and average weight of 1.8 pounds. The average size of hybrids has decreased since 2017 when average length was 19.8 inches and weight was 2.8 pounds. The largest hybrid captured in 2023 was 21.8 inches and weighed 4.3 pounds. Harvestable trout were more numerous in Treasureton Reservoir than Daniels Reservoir with 27% of the sampled trout measuring 20 inches in length or greater.

Treasureton Reservoir was treated with rotenone in 2018 to eliminate largemouth bass. Our survey did not capture any largemouth bass, which is good news for the trout fishery. Treasureton Reservoir also has an additional regulation with no size or bag limit on bass species to help prevent their establishment. However, we did capture 363 green sunfish with an average size of 4.8 inches. This species was likely illegally introduced sometime after the 2018 rotenone treatment. Fisheries managers will be watching this population closely to determine if it may negatively impact the trophy trout population in Treasureton Reservoir. 

Stillwaters, June 14th, 2024

Most of our still waters are now approachable and rounding into good fishing. Damsel fly and speckled dun mayfly emergences are ramping up, and the best time to enjoy fish responding to them are during low wind periods. Right now IDF&G is managing Daniels, Springfield, Treasureton and Twenty-Four Mile as trophy fisheries.

Still Waters, June 12th, 2024

At Mackay Reservoir

Boating is not allowed on all reservoirs owned by the Twin Lakes Canal Company but fishing from banks is allowed. Go to their web site to see these reservoirs. Building damsel fly and speckled dun emergences are making for good fishing on such as Chesterfield, Daniels, and Hawkins Reservoirs during wind free periods early and late in the day. IDF&G released inefficient spawning rainbow trout into Mackay and Springfield Reservoirs late last year. Those that have held over through the winter have acquired enough vigor to be as active as wild trout. Thus in both reservoirs they can provide some exciting fishing.

Still Waters, June 5th, 2024

Wind has impacted daytime fishing on all still waters. Fish such as Chesterfield, Daniels and Hawkins Reservoirs early and late in the day when wind is mild, and you will have action. Damsel flies and speckled duns have yet to reach their hatching peaks, but streamers and leech patterns produce during wind free AMs and PMs.

Still Waters, May 4th, 2004

The Idaho Fish and Game (IDF&G) Upper Snake River region stocking schedule is available on the IDF&G web site. Go to the Press Release and Articles section to find it. One feature of interest is that tiger trout will be stocked in Ririe Reservoir.

the Dairy Creek Road from Hawkins Reservoir over to Daniels Reservoir is open for travel.

Here is an item recently posted by the Twin Lakes Canal Company of Preston, ID

Twin Lakes is one of the most popular recreation sites in Southeast Idaho located approximately 15 miles Northwest of Preston Idaho. 

Boats must be inspected for Quagga mussels, before being allowed on the lakes.  This year (2024) there will be an inspection and verification station right at Twin Lakes.  IF your boat has been in quagga infested water it WILL NOT be allowed at Twin Lakes.

There will be a charge of $15.00 for motorized watercraft over 10′ and $5.00 for non motorized watercraft under 10′.

Boat Launching Dates: (This may change) May 17- Sept. 9, 2024  

Boat launching hours are:

From May 17th-June 9th, 2024  7am to 7pm. 

From June 10th -Aug. 11th, 2024 6:30 am to 9:00pm.    

From Aug 12th – Sept. 9th, 2024 7am to 7pm.

NO watercraft with ballast compartments or bladders are allowed on the lakes, (even if they are sealed off).

If you have any questions on watercraft at Twin Lakes contact: Clay Tripp  (801) 400-3965 (Independant Contractor of the watercraft inspection and verification station at Twin Lakes).

Condie Reservoir: NO watercraft or flotation devices of any kind are allowed due to the threat of quagga mussel.

Winder Reservoir: NO watercraft or flotation devices of any kind are allowed due to the threat of quagga mussel.

Trespassers will be fined.

Still Waters, April 20th, 2024

Crystal Springs Pond will be slowly drawn down beginning Tuesday, April 23, to help with repairs to Edwards Road near Springfield Fish Hatchery.

This fishery, located in Bingham County, is a popular family fishing water and typically supports year-round trout fishing.  Anglers should be aware that fishing will be impacted at Crystal Springs Pond for at least a week, depending on repair progress.  Fish and Game anticipates refilling the pond again by May 3, at which time it will be stocked with rainbow trout to provide spring fishing opportunity.

Most of the fish currently living in the pond are expected to still survive in the outlet; therefore, a salvage order is not being issued at this time.  For additional information, please call the Southeast Region Fish and Game office in Pocatello at (208) 232-4703.

Hawkins and Daniels Reservoirs are free of ice and open to fishing. Travel to Daniels has to be done through Malad because the road to it from Hawkins Reservoir remains closed.

Still Waters, April 12th, 2024

Mackay Reservoir is free of ice and open to fishing. Daniels Reservoir is also open to fishing but access must be made by going through Malad City then north because the Dairy Creek Road is yet to open. Hawkins Reservoir is also open to fishing. We have little information on fishing success in all these waters except for Springfield Reservoir in which fish are responding to midge activity when the taking depth is found. Nymph and fly rod jigs can also bring some fishing success there.

Still Waters, March 16th, 2024

Springfield Lake is about the only one ready for a visit. Midge activity provides the best action with pupa patterns fished at the taking depth giving results, Fly rod jigs also work. Soon any pattern resembling a dragon fly nymph will be effective.