Fishing report: Options for Idaho fishing on foot, in a boat or through the ice
Knock on wood, but the fishing gods have smiled upon us so far this February. Options abound for quality fishing across our region, no matter what you’re into.
Want to launch a boat and catch panfish? Not a problem. Looking to score some trout on foot in a reservoir or stream? Access is plentiful. And if you’re hoping to squeeze a few more weeks out of ice fishing season, cooler temperatures have improved conditions on several popular fisheries.
Here are a few suggestions to get you started. Tight lines!
Brownlee Reservoir (Crappie, Catfish)
If you’re not opposed to a chilly boat ride, February is one of my favorite months to fish Brownlee Reservoir on the Idaho-Oregon border. Schools of crappie will be gathering near rocky outcroppings and coves. If they are in the biting mood, you can fill a stringer using small jigs tipped with crappie nibbles.
Fish can be found in anywhere from 10 to 40 feet of water — use a fish finder to locate the schools. Trolling with small crankbaits is another option for crappie. Prime bass season is still a few months out, but you might pick up a few fish by slowly dragging jigs and drop shots in 15 to 20 feet of water. And don’t overlook catfish — Brownlee is home to some monster channel cats and flatheads, and they can be caught year-round on fresh cut bait, jigs and deep-diving crankbaits.
Lake Cascade (Ice Fishing)
Ice conditions have improved on Lake Cascade, and anglers have been hauling in some nice jumbo perch along with rainbow trout. As usual, most of the bigger fish are being found out in the old river channel.
It’s quite a hike on foot, but snowmobiles shorten the journey. Anglers can also find trout and perch around some of the popular launch points, including Poison Creek, Blue Heron, Boulder Creek and Van Wyck.
Small, perch-colored jigs tipped with a worm, wax worm or chunk of cut bait are the best bet for perch. Similar tackle will also catch trout, although shiny spoons and worm/Power Bait rigs fished higher in the water column are a better way to target rainbows specifically. For the latest ice conditions and fishing reports in the Cascade area, call Tackle Tom’s at (208) 382-4367.
Arrowrock Reservoir (Trout)
Along with neighboring Lucky Peak, Arrowrock provides plentiful shore access and good catch rates on stocked rainbow trout through the winter months. With water levels drawn down, anglers can walk or even drive along miles of rock/sand beaches and pick an inviting fishing hole.
Worms and marshmallows or Power Bait fished on a slip sinker are the most popular offering, but spinners and Rapalas will also catch fish. In addition to trout, anglers might stumble into Kokanee salmon, Chinook salmon, smallmouth bass, perch, pikeminnow and suckers.
It’s Time to Stop Fishing and Start Catching!
I still have a few seats left in my next fishing class, Stop Fishing, Start Catching. 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. If you’re looking to up your fishing game in 2020, this is the class for you! 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.