Fishing report: Winter fishing options near and far across Idaho
Ice fishing conditions have been a little touch-and-go with all this warm weather, but recent sub-freezing nights have helped a great deal. Here are a few spots to try as the calendar turns to February:
Magic Reservoir (Trout, Perch)
Magic has been the most consistent ice fishing destination this winter. Catch rates are good for rainbow and brown trout along with some decent-sized perch, and the snow/slush situation isn’t as bad as lakes to the north. Magic is a huge reservoir with tons of access points. Anglers have been getting on the ice near the dam on the south end, at West Magic Resort and via multiple launch points on the north end.
No matter where you fish, the formula is the same — look for schools of perch in 20 to 30 feet of water and target them with small jigs tipped with a mealworm or cut bait. For trout, fish in shallower water with perch-imitating lures or shiny spoons tipped with worms and Power Bait. Electronics are key for finding schools and deciphering the bite, which can be very subtle.
Hyrum Reservoir (Perch)
If you’re feeling adventurous, I recommend checking out Hyrum Reservoir in northern Utah. I recently fished it with a friend of mine who lives near Logan, and we had a riot piling up mid-sized perch. Utah only allows two rods per angler, but that was more than enough for us to land more than 30 fish in about three hours. Hyrum perch aren’t jumbos, but we cobbled together a dozen keepers for a nice perch fry.
The bite was light — using a flasher and spring-bobber rod tips helped us get dialed in. Perch-colored jigs tipped with a small piece of cut bait were the ticket. Hyrum is also home to rainbow trout, tiger trout and a handful of other species. It’s located in a state park roughly 4.5 hours from Boise, and a three-day, non-resident Utah license costs $24.
Mountain View Reservoir (Trout, Perch)
Located on the Duck Valley Reservation, Mountain View is a good spot to hunt big rainbow trout through the ice. The lake is generously stocked, and most trips produce a handful of fish over two pounds. There are also rumors of good-sized perch in Mountain View. Trout will usually be found in the top 10 feet of water, while perch will hug the bottom in 20-plus feet. Jigs and spoons tipped with worms, cut bait, mealworms or Power Bait are a good place to start. A day pass to fish the Duck Valley lakes (Sheep Creek is also open for ice fishing) costs $18, while an annual pass is $100.
Boise River (Trout, Whitefish)
Flows are angler-friendly, and the recent weather has been, too. I’ve seen anglers out in nothing but waders and a long-sleeved shirt — pretty unheard of for the dead of winter, but also pretty awesome!
Rainbow trout and brown trout are the usual targets, but anglers will also bump into whitefish and some non-game species. Flashy spinners, spoons, Rapalas and flies including streamers, nymphs and small dry patterns will all catch fish. Bait is effective, too — worms, Power Bait, salmon eggs and shrimp are popular offerings. As always, I recommend releasing large, wild trout to preserve our cool urban fishery.
It’s Time to Stop Fishing and Start Catching!
My next fishing class, Stop Fishing, Start Catching, is taking registrations. Designed for anglers of all ages and ability levels, this class offers an overview of Idaho’s most popular species and tips on where and how to catch them. We are set for Wednesday, Feb. 26, at the Hilton Garden Inn Boise Spectrum, and seats are filling up fast! Learn more and sign up at www.tightlines208.com.
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.