If you’re waiting at home with an auger and slush spoon in hand, you will probably have to wait a little longer. Horsethief Reservoir is frozen and could be ready by the weekend, but I wouldn’t bet on it. It’s too risky to go early, and guessing wrong could get you a cold and potentially lethal dip in icy water. A limit of trout is not worth it.

Not to sound all nervous Nellie on you, but the thought of falling through the ice just freaks me out. I don’t even like to hear groaning ice when it’s a foot deep.

So we’re in a waiting game, but the weather definitely looks more favorable for ice fishing than it has been for several weeks. I will be so bold as to say ice fishing is probably a couple weeks away.

There are reasons to be excited. Last year, Cascade Reservoir came close to producing a state-record perch. In the meantime, grab your 2013 calendar and mark these dates:

Idaho Youth Outdoors ice fishing derby, Saturday, Jan. 12, Horsethief Reservoir: In its fourth year, this has become a great winter event that attracts lots of kids and families onto the ice for fishing and festivities. See a link at the next event’s website for details.

Cascade ice fishing derby, Saturday, Jan. 26, Cascade: This is a first-year event and proceeds from the derby will benefit future youth ice fishing events. Go to cascadeicefishingderby.com for details.

Tackle Tom’s ice fishing derby, Feb. 16-17, Cascade: This is a winter classic running for more than 20 years. It’s a fun event that attracts a lot of old and new ice anglers.

Roger Phillips: 377-6215