Winter is coming. Here’s what that means for fishing in Idaho
My most recent fishing trip was a cool experience on multiple levels.
With a big cold front on the horizon, my buddy Caleb and I took the boat out for what we hoped would be one last hurrah in “nice” weather. Instead, the cold front came early and blasted us with a frosty morning. Undeterred, we fished in full ski gear and managed to catch and release some really nice smallmouth bass — a pleasant surprise for late November in Idaho.
While it was cool to catch big bass so late in the season, the trip — and the cold front, which looks to be sticking around indefinitely — served as a reminder that winter is coming. And with it come a different set of circumstances for anglers who refuse to put their tackle in storage until spring. If you’re serious about fishing through the winter months, here are a few ideas to keep in mind:
Adjust your expectations
Cold weather fishing is a different animal, so we anglers should recalibrate our thinking. Whereas a half-dozen bass in midsummer would be disappointing, Caleb and I were excited to put a handful of nice fish in the boat.
Methods should also be adjusted for species like bass and catfish, whose metabolisms slow down in the winter. Buzzing spinnerbaits through shallow water isn’t likely to rack up fish the way it might in July — you’re better off slow-rolling a crankbait or fishing a drop-shot rig in deeper water. The silver lining? Bigger fish are heartier and more likely to bite in the cold.
Target cold water fish
Some Idaho species prefer cooler water. Targeting these fish during the winter months can keep your catch rates up and provide new challenges. Trout and whitefish are unfazed by the cold, and lower river flows often make them easier to catch during winter (just make sure your favorite streams are open).
Crappie and perch will still readily eat if you can locate the schools. As long as boat ramps are usable, Kokanee salmon can be found, usually in shallower water than usual. Sturgeon remain active year-round in the Snake River, too. Hook a big one, and you’ll be shedding layers in a hurry!
Dress for success
Like any outdoor activity, fishing isn’t very fun if you’re freezing your tail off. Layer up and keep your core temperature warm so you can fish in comfort. Hands and feet are of particular importance for anglers. I recommend using a pair of thin, water-resistant gloves to keep dexterity when you need it and packing a thicker pair of gloves that you can slip on when you’re not busy tying knots, baiting hooks or feeling for a bite.
Hit the hard deck
Ice should start building quickly in these chilly temps. One popular fishery in eastern Idaho is already open for business, but more convenient fisheries including Cascade and Horsethief should be ready before long. Follow my fishing reports to stay up to speed on when safe ice arrives.
In the meantime, tune up your auger, re-spool your ice rods and hit the tackle shop to load up on the latest lures and gadgets. You don’t want to be the last one on the ice when it comes!
Winter fishing isn’t always easy, but it can be a blast if you come prepared and make a few tweaks to your approach. Stay safe and warm out there. Tight lines!
Jordan Rodriguez has been fishing Idaho waters since he was a teen. Share your fish stories, adventures, tips and tricks with him at tightlinesboise@gmail.com or visit www.tightlines208.com.
This story was originally published December 1, 2019 at 6:00 AM.
