Caldwell Ponds have been closed since 2019 for an Idaho Fish and Game (IDF&G) project to combine the two ponds into a single, deeper large pond. The New and Improved Caldwell Pond has been designed with shoreline complexity, lots of contouring, and fish habitat structure including larger logs, root wads, boulders and rock piles. The pond will be managed for self-sustaining largemouth bass and bluegill populations, with seasonal stocking of hatchery trout. The new pond has a quality rule for largemouth bass, with a two fish limit that must be larger than 20 inches to keep. Yes! 20 inches! You read that right! The chance for trophy largemouth bass in our backyard!

The New and Improved Caldwell Pond has been slowly filling this summer, and IDF&G will start building the fish population this Fall. Although water levels are still low, anglers will be able to access the pond soon. I talked to Southwest Regional Fishery Manager Art Butts recently about the project. He is very excited about it and thinks it has the potential to produce trophy sized bass in the future. Access to the pond is currently limited, but they have plans to add a boat ramp and more fishing docks. BVFF is hoping to partner with IDF&G on some access improvements in the future.

IDF&G’s Fishing Planner will get updated soon with more information on the New and Improved Caldwell Pond, including when it is reopened for fishing. For this first year, it would be helpful to release what you catch, as the populations are just getting started. And please, whatever you do, do not add walleye or other species. Give IDF&G a chance to show how good a trophy-bass pond can be when it has the right design and structure.