My Picks for the Week

For the foreseeable future, it looks like trout and perch fishing are going to be the main topics of conversation around the cabin fire. While there may be some steelhead to bend a rod here and there, it’s probably not going to be worth the trip.

I apologize for posting Horsethief Reservoir in last week’s report. It was inadvertently added to the report. As you know, the reservoir was drained to kill off the illegally planted perch.

Boise River

The flows are still hovering between 275 and 300 cfs., but recent rain and melting snow might fluctuate flows and muddy things up a bit.

Meanwhile, fishing has been good for stocked rainbows, natives and holdover fish, including brown trout and whitefish.

Casting to the tail end of the riffles and drifting your offering into the deeper pools is still your best bet. Try tossing small spinners, fly casting both wet and dry fly patterns or drifting bait.

Worms are great for catching rainbows, while flies like the prince nymph work great for catching both trout and whitefish. If there are any stocked steelhead remaining, they will take a well-presented jig, spinner, fly or even a nightcrawler.

Cascade Reservoir

The ice is getting thicker and anglers are catching a few perch and a few more decent-sized trout. Spots to check out include Poison Creek, Sugarloaf Island, Crown Point, Vista Point and of course out from the Golf Course/City Boat launch. With recent snow and cooler weather, the ice should be in decent shape for this weekend.

Try worms if all else fails, but baited ice fishing jigs or small jigging spoons like Mack’s Sonic Blade or Swedish pimples will also work.

Local Ponds and Streams

Wilson Pond will get another 400 fish this week, and both the pond and creek will be stocked weekly depending on water and weather conditions or available staff. Go to the Idaho Fish and Game website at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov for more information on the latest stocking and fishing regulations.

Magic Reservoir

There have been a few reports that anglers are catching some nice trout and smaller perch through the ice.

Be sure and check the road conditions before heading out, and you might call West Magic Resort at 487-2571 for the latest conditions.

Worms always work for catching fish through the ice, but jigging spoons and baited ice jigs usually work the best.

Owyhee River

The flows are running around 13-14 cfs. and should remain low for some time. BWOs continue to be active late morning to mid-afternoon, but there are mostly midges coming off at various times throughout the day. Zebra midges size 18-22, BWOs 16-22 and streamers like a muddler minnow will all work to catch fish. Ice has formed in some stretches, so go prepared.

The browns are off their redds, but please stay clear of the rocky runs and ripples until spring. There are plenty of sippers and holding fish in the deeper pools to catch.

Steelhead and Salmon Fishing

Flows have been up and down this past week, but anglers were still catching fish on the Clearwater between the mouth and the Orofino Bridge and on the North Fork of the Clearwater. Anglers were averaging 8 hours per fish caught, but the catch rates for fish kept was an abysmal average of about 20 hours per fish.

Most anglers were catching their fish drifting roe, yarn or bait, while some were drifting small jigs and backtrolling plugs.

Anglers are reminded that they will need a 2016 fishing license and steelhead permit, and the bag limit changed to three fish per day and nine in possession through the end of the spring season.