Lewiston, Idaho – Idaho Fish and Game is investigating the recent loss of approximately 150 fish at Kiwanis Park Pond in Lewiston, following a stocking event earlier this week. The agency confirmed the mortality represents roughly 17% of the 900 rainbow trout released into the pond on Monday, and is working to determine the cause while assuring anglers that fishing conditions remain solid.
The incident was first noticed Wednesday, two days after the fish were stocked, prompting a response from the Clearwater Regional Fisheries team. Despite the loss, reports from anglers indicate that the majority of the stocked trout are healthy and actively feeding, suggesting the event was localized and didn’t impact the entire population. This is welcome news for the Lewiston community, which relies on the pond as a popular recreational fishing spot, particularly for families, and children.
The fish loss event, as the agency is describing it, is currently under investigation. Initial assessments have not revealed any immediate environmental factors that could have caused the die-off. According to Fish and Game, dissolved oxygen levels in the pond were within normal ranges, and water temperatures were stable at around 55°F. Staff involved in the transport and stocking of the fish too reported no issues during the process.
What’s Being Done to Determine the Cause?
Clearwater Regional Fisheries staff are collaborating with pond managers to gather more data and pinpoint the source of the mortality. Ongoing monitoring will focus on water quality parameters and potential disease indicators. “We’re taking this seriously and want to understand what happened so we can prevent it from occurring again,” said a spokesperson for Idaho Fish and Game. The agency is also reviewing the health records of the fish prior to stocking, as well as the conditions at the hatchery where they were raised.
The stocked trout were sourced from the state’s Dworshak State Hatchery, which has a long history of providing healthy fish for stocking programs throughout Idaho. The Dworshak hatchery raises several species of trout and salmon for release into Idaho waters. The hatchery maintains strict biosecurity protocols to prevent the spread of disease, but the agency is not ruling out the possibility of a pathogen being involved in the Kiwanis Park Pond incident.
While the exact species of trout stocked was not immediately available, rainbow trout are a common choice for pond stocking due to their adaptability and popularity with anglers. The stocking program at Kiwanis Park Pond is part of a broader effort by Idaho Fish and Game to enhance recreational fishing opportunities across the state. Idaho Fish and Game’s stocking reports provide detailed information on stocking locations and species.
Impact on Anglers and the Local Community
Despite the fish loss, Idaho Fish and Game maintains that fishing conditions at Kiwanis Park Pond remain favorable. Anglers who have visited the pond since the stocking event have reported good catch rates, indicating that the majority of the stocked fish are thriving. The pond is a popular destination for families, offering a convenient and accessible fishing experience in an urban setting.
The pond is managed by the City of Lewiston Parks and Recreation Department, which works closely with Idaho Fish and Game on stocking and maintenance efforts. The city is aware of the investigation and is cooperating fully with the agency. The loss of fish is a concern for both the city and the angling community, but officials are optimistic that the issue will be resolved quickly.
Looking Ahead: Continued Monitoring and Future Stocking
Idaho Fish and Game plans to continue monitoring water quality and fish health at Kiwanis Park Pond in the coming days. The agency will also evaluate the results of the investigation to determine if any changes are needed to stocking procedures or pond management practices. The goal is to ensure that the pond remains a healthy and productive fishery for years to approach.
The agency has not yet announced a timeline for future stocking events at Kiwanis Park Pond, but officials have assured the public that they will provide updates as the investigation progresses. Anglers are encouraged to check the Idaho Fish and Game website for the latest information on stocking schedules and fishing regulations. The Idaho Fish and Game website is the official source for information on fishing and wildlife management in the state.
The investigation into the fish loss at Kiwanis Park Pond is ongoing, and Idaho Fish and Game is committed to finding the cause and preventing similar incidents in the future. The next update from the agency is expected next week, following a more comprehensive analysis of water samples and fish tissue.
We encourage readers to share their experiences fishing at Kiwanis Park Pond and to contribute to the conversation about fish conservation in Idaho. Please leave your comments below.
