The newly improved and expanded Edson Fichter Nature Area is truly one of Pocatello’s brightest outdoor attractions! 40 acres of urban Idaho sanctuary. Quiet, Clean, well-planned, and developed by the efforts of hundreds of volunteers (like the Portneuf Greenway, Boy Scouts & civic groups) as well as the Idaho Fish & Game (owners), the City Parks Dept, The Pocatello Science & Environment Division, supportive local businesses and countless others. There’s a lot of local pride in this beautiful location and you’re gonna love it.
6 things you’ll want to know…
Frequently stocked fishing pond with lots of access, foot bridges, trees and plants all around. Fed by the Portneuf River, this 3 acre pond is managed by the Idaho Department of Fish & Game. This place is also perfect for ice fishing in the colder months.
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A gentle 0.8-mile loop of paved trail with a flat grade (3% or less) that is fully accessible for strollers, wheelchairs, and casual runners. There are also walkable dirt pathways throughout the area that connect visitors to other interesting features. These pathways seamlessly link to the larger Portneuf Valley Greenway system.
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An additional/separate Sporting Dog Pond to the southeast of the main pond, is a water area dedicated to training and retrieving practice for water dogs. With gradual embankments and portions are lined for ease of access.
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Curated native pollinator gardens featuring specialized rock paths and benches for resting and contemplation called Ardith’s Garden & Monarch Waystation.
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Outdoor Amphitheater. Near the main entrance. This is the host venue for various educational community events like the free Edson Fichter Nature Talks series held on Wednesday evenings in September. Please check the schedule on the link above.
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Birdwatching: The area serves as a rich riparian corridor with nearly 100 documented bird species throughout the year! Visitors frequently spot Bald Eagles, Osprey, Sandhill Cranes, hawks, and seasonal swallows can occasionally be seen over the water. Detailed sightings are actively tracked on the eBird Edson Fichter Region portal.
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4 things to keep in mind:
- Dog Rules: Dogs are welcome but must remain strictly on a leash throughout the nature area. Dogs are entirely restricted from entering or swimming in the main fish-stocking pond.
- Prohibited Watercraft: Boating, float tubes, canoes, kayaks, and swimming are strictly banned inside the fishing pond. Watercraft use is exclusively reserved for adjacent Portneuf River access points.
- Fishing Regulations: The main pond is regularly stocked with rainbow trout and unique yellow-phase banana trout. The daily limit is 6 fish. Anglers aged 14 and older must hold a valid Idaho fishing license.
- DON’T let your dog swim in the fish pond, and, don’t try fishing in the dog pond.
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