Early January ice fishing report: These Idaho lakes and reservoirs are frozen

Ice fishing season has arrived across much of our region. Here are the latest reports:

Lake Cascade: Cascade has safe ice at pretty much all of the popular access points, including Poison Creek, Boulder Creek and Blue Heron. Perch fishing usually starts out slow and picks up as we head into February, but there have already been some jumbos caught through the ice, along with rainbow trout. The ice isn’t thick enough for snowmobiles yet, and anglers venturing toward the middle of the lake should continue to drill test holes and exercise caution.

Horsethief Reservoir: There is safe ice at Horsethief around the boat launch area. Ice near the spillway is still marginal, so be careful. As usual, Horsethief provides good catch rates for small to medium-sized rainbow trout, along with occasional browns and Kokanee. Note: Horsethief’s annual youth ice fishing event is this Saturday, Jan. 15, so head elsewhere if you want to avoid a crowd.

Magic Reservoir: There is safe ice at Magic, with most anglers concentrating their efforts near the dam. Perch fishing has yet to turn on, but there are nice trout coming through the ice.

Other destinations: According to the folks at North Shore Lodge, we don’t have safe ice at Warm Lake yet. Payette Lake in McCall is not frozen. Mormon Lake near Fairfield dried up this year. Many lakes to our east, including Salmon Falls Creek and Oakley reservoirs, are likely building ice, but snowy road conditions have made it difficult to access the water. As always, be safe out there, and tight lines!

Jordan Rodriguez has been fishing Idaho waters since he was a teen. Share your fish stories, adventures and questions with him at tightlinesboise@gmail.com, or visit www.tightlines208.com for the latest local fishing reports and upcoming class offerings.