Fish and Game Corner
Construction efforts on three wildlife underpasses on US-30 are set to begin near Montpelier this month. This grant-funded project under the direction of Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) will include the installation of two concrete box culverts, one bridge, and 6 road miles of 8-ft tall fencing between highway mileposts 442 and 448.
This short section of highway intersects with a topographic bottleneck, known as Rocky Point, that funnels migratory mule deer along a regionally important mule deer migration route. It is there within these few miles that motorists can encounter some of the worst points of conflict with wildlife on US-30 between Montpelier and the Wyoming border.
Data collected by Idaho Fish and Game and ITD shows that of the deer killed on just one 20-mile stretch of US-30, about 70% are reported at Rocky Point.
Once completed (estimated Fall 2026), this underpass project will improve driver safety while protecting migrating deer and other wildlife.
“This project is equally important to both ITD and Idaho Fish and Game and has received broad support from the Bear Lake County community because of the benefits to both human and wildlife safety,” said Regional Wildlife Manager Zach Lockyer with Idaho Fish and Game. “Hunters and other wildlife enthusiasts value this mule deer resource, and protecting it has added benefits to both the economy and quality of life in this part of southeast Idaho.”
The grant awarded to ITD to fund this $12-million project is part of $125 million in federal grants awarded to 16 states through the Federal Highway Administration’s Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program.
“We are excited to get this project fully-funded and built,” ITD’s District 5 Environmental Planner Alissa Salmore said. “Local citizens and our Montpelier shed crew have been asking for a solution here for decades. It will be good to finally deliver this project, both for people and for wildlife.”
Fish Stocking Report
Here is a quick summary of what you need to know about some of these fun fisheries!
• Bannock Reservoir – 1000 rainbow trout. Located within the Portneuf Wellness Complex near the County Fairgrounds in Pocatello, this community park offers trout fishing with many recreational amenities nearby. The six-acre pond is surrounded by playgrounds, soccer fields, basketball courts, running and biking trails, and an amphitheater for community events. Multiple docks provide fishing access around the pond.
• Blackfoot Reservoir – 30,000 rainbow trout. Blackfoot Reservoir is located approximately 16 miles north of Soda Springs. It covers 17,000 surface acres when full, making it the second largest reservoir in the Southeast Region! Anglers enjoy fishing for rainbows, cutthroats, and small mouth bass in this body of water. The Bureau of Land Management manages a campground near the reservoir with 16 developed sites available on a first-come, first-served base. There are also day-use sites for picnicking. Other amenities include a boat ramp, drinking water, electrical hook-ups, fire rings, and vault toilets.
• Bear River – 3,000 rainbow trout. About 2,500 of these fish will be stocked in the very scenic Oneida Narrows reach of the river below the dam. This popular section of the river offers the longest continuous public access along the entire Bear River! Another 500 trout will be stocked in the Bear River below Alexander Dam.
• Crystal Springs Pond – 1,000 rainbow trout. This spring fed pond is always clear and cool! Located near Springfield, this family friendly pond has a paved walking path and docks for easy fishing access.
• Dingle Gravel Pond –1,000 rainbow trout. This pond is located adjacent to the Bear River east of Dingle in Bear Lake County.
• Edson Fichter Pond – 950 rainbow trout. This 3-acre pond is located just minutes from downtown Pocatello and offers local anglers of all ages a convenient escape close to home. Nestled within the 40-acre Edson Fichter Nature Area, this pond features several docks and a trail for access around the pond. Your dog is welcome to be your fishing buddy—if leashed while at the pond and on the trails. However, if they need to cool off or would like to practice their retrieving skills, there is a “puppy pond” built just for them on the same property.
• Kelly Park Pond (Upper) – 250 rainbow trout. Located in Soda Springs within Arthur Kelly Park, accessing this pond requires a short walk, but it offers a great fishing opportunity for anglers of all ages. Lace up the boots, grab the fishing poles, and take the kids on a nature walk!
• McTucker Pond – 2,500 rainbow trout. Located near Springfield, McTucker Pond is surrounded by willows and large cottonwood trees and provides many places for kids to fish from the bank. No docks are present anymore.
• Montpelier Rearing Pond – 250 rainbow trout. This little fishing spot is tucked into a scenic high desert canyon in the hills east of Montpelier. It’s a great spot to take kids fishing!
Stocking of all waters is tentative and dependent on river/lake/pond conditions (angler safety concerns); dates may change due to weather or staffing constraints.
If you need detailed information about Idaho’s waters, fish species, facilities, maps and rules, check out the Idaho Fishing Planner on Fish and Game’s website.
