For the first time in decades, Idaho Fish and Game is stocking the Big Lost River in Butte and Custer Counties with thousands of rainbow trout.
Since the 1980s, after the snow has melted each year, a section of the Big Lost River in Butte County completely dries up.
But the snowpack from the past few winters now sustains the river year-round, says Brett High of Idaho Fish and Game.
“Historically, this used to be quite an amazing fishery,” High says. “Then the river started drying up and that fishery has gone away, and it has been decades since people have been able to catch trout there. So we’re hoping to change that.”
Now, they plan to restock the river around Arco with 3,000 rainbow trout from a nearby hatchery, giving local anglers the opportunity to fish there once again.
High says part of his job is to improve fishing opportunities in the state, and he hopes restocking the Big Lost River will help accomplish that.
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