Chesterfield (Portneuf) Reservoir

Chesterfield Reservoir may be your best bet if you are looking for an easy access family fishery. This 1600 acre reservoir was built in 1951 by the Bureau of Reclamation as an irrigation reservoir, and has become a very popular local fishing spot. Located about 40 minutes from Lava Hot Springs, you will find good shoreline and boat fishing facilities. Unimproved campsites are also available.

Chesterfield has long been a popular place to catch good sized hatchery rainbow trout. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game stocks both catchable and fingerling rainbow trout in the spring and fall. Fish exhibit good growth rates and catch rates are some of the best in southeast Idaho. Brown trout have been stocked which is expected to soon provide a trophy fishery.

If you are a new angler just getting started, look for a light to medium weight rod with a matching reel loaded with 6-10 pound line. General tackle such as size 8-10 snelled hooks, small swivel and weights, and possibly a small bobber will get you started.

Shoreline access is readily available and bank fishing is often quite good in the early summer and fall. Still-fishing snelled hooks baited with worms are a good bet. Adding a small marshmallow may help to hold the bait off the bottom and keep it in the fishes view. Fish eggs and corn are also popular baits.

Boat anglers can expect good success throughout the summer trolling a variety of lures, including rooster tails, diving rapala, pop-gear finished off with spinners, or spoons.

Float-tubing
Float-tubing is also popular on Chesterfield Reservoir. Either spincasting with lures or fly fishing can bring success. For fly anglers, matching the hatch is the key. Early season you will want to use leeches on a sinking line. As summer progresses, damsels, chironomids and mayfly hatches come on. Ask at a local tackle shop to see "what's hot".

Ice Fishing
Ice fishing is one way to extend your fishing season, and keep fresh fish on the table. Short rods or tip-ups, an ice auger, scoop, jigs and warm clothing will get you started. Always check the ice for thickness before venturing out.