Fishing report: January options for frozen lakes, open water in Idaho
Winter fishing is in a good spot across western Idaho. Most lakes at higher elevations have safe ice for the hardwater crowd, while mild temperatures in the Treasure Valley provide options for open-water fishing, too. Here are a few ideas to try in the new year (and don’t forget to buy your 2020 license!):
C.J. Strike (Mixed Bag)
On mild winter days, C.J. Strike is an attractive destination for a wide variety of species. Trout anglers have been catching fish using bait from shore or trolling with flashers, usually on the dam side of the reservoir. Crappie and perch remain abundant through the narrows — look for schools hugging the bottom in 20-plus feet of water. Winter bass fishing can be good if you slow down your presentation and target fish in 15 to 20 feet of water with drop shot plastics, jigs or deep diving crankbaits. And don’t forget about sturgeon. There are several quality holes along the reservoir and in the river downstream of the dam. Target them with heavy gear and cut bait or pickled squid.
Horsethief Reservoir (Ice Fishing)
Horsethief hosted the annual Youth Ice Fishing Day this past weekend. The good news is folks were catching fish on small jigs tipped with worms or corn. The bad news is heavy snow and mild weather have created a layer of slush on top of the ice, which can make for cold feet and difficult access. With more snow in the forecast, we’ll need some chilly nights to help firm things up. But when conditions improve — or if you’re willing to wear waders and brave the slush — Horsethief is a great spot to catch rainbow trout along with occasional brown trout and Kokanee salmon. Snow/slush conditions are similar on nearby Lake Cascade, but anglers are still catching jumbo perch and big rainbow trout there.
Mormon Reservoir (Ice Fishing)
Located about two hours northeast of Boise near Fairfield, Mormon Reservoir is a popular ice fishing spot. Fishing was great last winter — so much so that Fish and Game believes most of the keeper-sized fish were harvested. Catch rates are down this season, but more than 140,000 rainbow trout have been stocked since May, so there are fish there. Many trout will be on the small side, but there are surely some big holdovers, and Mormon also has keeper-sized perch. If fishing is slow, you can head further east to Magic Reservoir, which is home to large schools of perch as well as rainbow and brown trout.
Lucky Peak/Arrowrock (Trout, Kokanee)
These twin Boise River reservoirs offer quality year-round fishing for trout and Kokanee. Trout fishing from the bank with worms, marshmallows, Power Bait or spinners is a fun way to spend an afternoon.
You can even build a beach fire to stay warm. On mild days, anglers can launch a boat and troll for trout and Kokanee — just be mindful of icy boat ramps. Look for schools in 10 to 40 feet of water and target them with flashers trailed by wedding rings, squid jigs or plugs tipped with worms or corn.
Come learn how to ice fish!
My next fishing class, Ice Fishing 101, is just two weeks away. 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!
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 January 15, 2020 at 10:35 AM with the headline "Fishing report: January options for frozen lakes, open water in Idaho."