Idahoans prepare to break out their fishing gear this Memorial Day weekend

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Fishing season kicks off this Memorial Day weekend for several people in the Gem State.

Idaho Fish and Game says the holiday weekend is a great time for fishers and anglers to break out their gear. Its hatchery crews have been stocking almost 400,000 trout this month in Idaho's ponds, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

Since there will likely be several fishers and anglers heading out, Idaho Fish and Game reminds everyone to be courteous and give each other plenty of room along the docks and shorelines.

A list of fishing destinations Idaho Fish and Game has restocked with trout can be found here.

If you want to get ready to fish this holiday weekend, the time to start picking up equipment and scoping out a good lake to visit is now. Supply stores and favorite fishing spots can get very busy leading up to and during the weekend. 

"You got people from multiple states popping over to like Island Park, Swan Valley, Salmon. Idaho Falls is kind of right in that junction point where they're all coming from every single angle to get to wherever they might be," said Fly Fish Food Shop Staff, Henry Theurer.

Theurer says you should always be careful when you go fishing, especially if you plan to be standing in the water.

"Know your water wherever you're going out. Find out what the flows are. Find out where you're going to be fishing at, what the terrain is like, if it's going to be rocky, mossy, sandy," Theurer said.

Always be careful where you step. You could accidentally fall into the water and get swept away. The currents are usually faster just below the water's surface.

"Especially [in the] spring when runoff is kind of in the peak time and you got creeks that are blown out," Theurer said. "You've got reservoirs that are pumping out water to make up for future runoff."

The main thing is to plan ahead, whether it's having the proper equipment, knowing what kind of terrain you'll be dealing with, or getting out early enough to beat the big crowds.