My Picks

for the Week

With only a few options, fishing in this cold, icy, snowy weather is definitely for the hardcore fishermen or women. Ice fishermen on many of our favorite fishin’ holes are still dealing with drifting snow-covered ice and or slush making it difficult for access and to some degree success.

In spite of all this ice, there are also a few open water opportunities, but even they are marginal considering more storms projected in the forecast. However it’s not all doom and gloom, some of our favorite local winter fishing holes are turning into great ice fishing opportunities.

BOISE RIVER

The flows have dropped back down to more normal levels, but they are still a little erratic, averaging around 260 cfs., which would be decent for fishing. Depending on whether we get more snow or rain will determine if the fishing will be worth a look or not. If it rains then the flows will jump, if it snows and the temperatures remain cool enough to keep it from melting, then fishing could be more promising for catching some stocked rainbows, natives and holdover fish including brown trout and whitefish. As usual casting to the tail end of the riffles and drifting your offering into the deeper pools is 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.

CASCADE RESERVOIR

Anglers willing to challenge the weather and ice conditions have been having some success at catching both trout and perch, but they’re having at times to deal with deep snow drifts, ice covered slush and the ever-changing weather conditions. Anglers fishing near Blue Heron and Big Sage have the best access and they’ve been catching a few perch and even a few trout. Another good spot to check out for both perch and trout are off the Poison Creek ramp. Sugarloaf Island, Crown Point and Vista Point are also usually decent areas to fish but access is pretty much limited to folks with ATV’s and snowmobiles. The Golf Course/City Boat launch is another are with decent access but the water isn’t very deep unless you go a long way out, making this less of an option. Ice jigs and small tube jigs baited with meal worms or a nice piece of night crawler will both work well to catch fish.

C. J. STRIKE RESERVOIR

Ice fishing on the lower Bruneau Arm has been very good for anglers catching buckets full of perch up to 10 inches. A few anglers are also catching a few trout and even a few bass have been caught at the mouth of the Narrows. However most of the anglers that have been fishing off of the Cottonwood Campground boat launch area have been cut off. The road was closed this past weekend at the highway to all motorized vehicles. I have not heard why, but as soon as I know I will pass the information along.

HORSETHIEF RESERVOIR

The road will hopefully be plowed this weekend, but with continuing snow storms there may be fresh snow covering the road in between plowings. The ice is in great shape, but again new snow may create more of a problem for access than successful fishing. Given the inclement weather, it might be a good idea to check current conditions with local folks so give either Tackle Tom’s (208-382-4367) or Howdy’s (208-382-6712) a call before you go.

MAGIC RESERVOIR

I still haven’t gotten any consistent reports from the lower Wood River Valley, but anglers reported catching a few decent sized perch and as usual for Magic an occasional big rainbow. Ice fishing jigs tipped with mealworms, cut bait or a piece of night crawler, a kernel of corn and a mini-marshmallow speared on a small treble hook will all catch fish. Before you head out you might want to call West Magic Resort at (208) 487-2571 to get the latest fishing report and road conditions.