Fishing report: New Year brings ice fishing opportunities to Idaho
January is synonymous with ice fishing in Idaho, and the New Year has brought opportunities for local anglers to get out and enjoy the hardwater. Fluctuating temperatures can create soft spots, particularly around the edges, but I can officially recommend parts of Lake Cascade and Magic Reservoir, with more fisheries likely to join the list soon. As always, fish with a group and exercise caution on the ice!
Lake Cascade (Ice Fishing)
The north end of Cascade has seven solid inches of ice as of this writing, with anglers accessing the lake via Poison Creek and Boulder Creek. Ice is building from the south as well, with several anglers reporting fishable ice at Blue Heron. Jumbo yellow perch are the target for most anglers, and a few are showing up along with smaller perch and rainbow trout. I like to look for perch in 15 to 30 feet of water, fishing near the bottom with small, perch-colored jigs.
Trout usually cruise shallower and will take small jigs and spoons in silver, white, pink or perch patterns. Stay mobile until you find the bite, as Cascade fish can be picky. I recommend tipping your lures with worms, perch meat, mealworms and other baits.
Getting there: Take Highway 55 north to Cascade. For the latest ice conditions and fishing reports, call Tackle Tom’s at (208) 382-4367.
Magic Reservoir (Ice Fishing)
Located a couple hours east of Boise, Magic is loaded with perch, although they tend to be much smaller than the Lake Cascade jumbos. But if you locate a school, catch rates can be fast, and there are bound to be a few keepers in the mix. Magic also has solid populations of rainbow and brown trout, offering anglers a chance to tangle with something bigger. Small jigs and spoons tipped with worms, corn, marshmallows or cut bait are the ticket. As of this writing, there is still open water on the main reservoir, but there are several fishable arms coves with at least six inches of ice.
Getting there: Take I-84 east to Mountain Home and Highway 20 northeast past Fairfield. You can also access Magic via I-84 and Highway 75. Call West Magic Resort at (208) 487-2571 for the latest reports.
Learn how to ice fish!
My next fishing class, Ice Fishing 101, is now taking registrations. This class introduces anglers to the awesome sport of ice fishing, including species, locations, gear, tackle and ice safety. Ice Fishing 101 is being offered Wednesday, Jan. 29 from 6-9 p.m. at the JUMP Inspire Studio in Downtown Boise. The class also includes a group ice fishing trip (location TBA) on Saturday, Feb. 1. To register, visit www.tightlines208.com. I’ll see you there!
River Update
If ice fishing isn’t your bag, here’s a quick rundown of some stream fishing options:
▪ The Boise River remains angler-friendly, with low flows and decent catch rates on rainbow trout, brown trout and whitefish. Fly anglers are hooking up on streamers, nymphs and occasional dry flies on warm afternoons.
▪ Idaho Fish and Game has reopened spring steelhead fishing on the Clearwater River and lower Snake River, effective Jan. 1. Angler harvest is limited to one hatchery steelhead under 28 inches per day. Plugs, streamers, jig-and-bobber rigs and roe are popular offerings.
▪ The Payette River is open, but it’s tough to fish this time of year because of deep snow and floating ice. Hitting the western stretch for winter smallmouth bass is probably the best choice.
▪ Winter is a good time to chase sturgeon on the Snake River between Glenns Ferry and Swan Falls Dam. Bundle up and target deep holes with pickled herring or squid. 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.