Rainbow Stocking Report - PDF file
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Windsor Nature Discovery
Boise River
Recent rains have spiked the riverriver flows are still a bit jumpy and slightly above normal at around 270 cfs. Folks who are getting out in the warmer weather are catching some trout, including a few browns, a few whitefish and I suspect there is still some steelhead swimming around. The fishing will be best mid-afternoon, try any old salmon egg or worm, or a fly like a Prince Nymph will catch fish. Spinners, drifting bait and flies could also catch the steelhead and a big juicy night crawler or dark colored fly in a leech pattern is also good choices.
Brownlee Reservoir
I'm adding Brownlee back into our reports because believe it or not the crappie fishing can surprise you this time of year. Some years ago my fishin' buddy Bill Pryor and I had a case of "cabin fever," so we hitched up the boat and headed for Brownlee. We really didn't expect to catch anything, but we sure needed to get out of town. Well as luck would have it we first had to plow through a sheet ice across the reservoir to get to our favorite fishing hole. The good news, within a few minutes we were catching crappie and within a few hours we had more than we both wanted to clean. This time of year you will find crappie schooled anywhere from 20 to 40 feet down, and believe it or not, they will be hungry! The other good news is the reservoir levels will only be about 14 feet down by the weekend, which means all the boat ramps, are available. Now I'm not going to guarantee you'll catch crappie, but you never know till' you try.
Cascade Reservoir
Ice fishing has improved for big trout and a few perch now that the ice is a little more accessible. If you go try jigging spoons or baited crappie jigs in about 25 feet or so for perch, and nearer the surface for trout. Marshmallows, worms, and Powerbait might all work to catch fish. Most ice anglers usually fish between Crown Point and the dam and around the island but the north end also can fish well. Call Tackle Tom's at (208)-382-4367 for the latest updates on fishing, weather, and ice conditions.
Clear Lake
If you're into float tubing this is the best place going right now. Try smaller Woolly Buggers, Woolly Worms or leech patterns, maybe even small nymphs on a sinking line. $10 a day, catch and release. I would give the good folks down at the Clear Lake Country Club a call before you go just to check fishing and weather conditions, (208) 543-4849.
C.J. Strike Reservoir
Bank anglers are still catching trout near Black Sands, near the Idaho Power North Park and up the Bruneau at Jacks Creek. Trollers aren't catching as many fish but they're still some nice ones up towards the Narrows with small pop gear or CountDown Rapalas. Call Jim with the Bruneau 1 Stop at (208) 845-2511 for the latest information.
Horsethief Reservoir
The road back to the reservoir is plowed and the ice fishing has been good. If it's planters you're looking for this is a good bet. I would still take at least a 4X4, or better yet a snowmobile, plenty of worms and a big bucket. You might want to call Howdy's Gas & Grub (208) 382-6712 for road conditions.
Local Ponds
Several of the Treasure Valley's ponds are clear of ice and fishable, and with held over planters some might be fishing fairly well. Wilson Springs Ponds South of Nampa are always a good choice in the winter because they are spring fed, will be stocked a few more times in the coming weeks, and are mostly ice-free. Be sure and follow the special regulations for each pond.
Magic Reservoir
Ice fishing has been fair for trout and some nice sized perch. Anglers aren't catching many perch but they're a lot bigger than in years past. Try bright colored jigs in about 30 feet for perch and marshmallows, worms, or Powerbait for trout. The weather report is calling for more snow which could affect the fishing and especially the access so be sure and check fishing and weather conditions before heading out. You might call the good folks at West Magic Resort at (208)-487-2571.
Malad River
This little river holds a lot of smaller rainbows, and since it's in a canyon in the Hagerman Valley and comes from underground springs it usually doesn't freeze up, making it ideal for winter fly fishing. Sometimes you can even fish dry flies like Coachman, Royal Wulffs, and Adams but nymphs might work best, especially when there are no bug hatches.
Mt. View Reservoir (Duck Valley)
Most ice fishermen here are catching perch up to 12 inches or better. I guess it could be a good thing as long as they'll catchem,' keepem,' and cookum' up! The trout fishing is O.K., but would be better if you didn't have to wade through the perch. The only problem with heading down here is the weather has been snowy with more on the way the roads might not be so good and the ice might be covered. If you want to check the latest conditions call the Shoshone Paiute Tribal Office - Toll Free: (800) 761-9133.
Owyhee River
Well I can tell you for sure most of the ice is gone, and there are even some active fish, but I'll be dang if I can catchem'! Bug action consists mostly of midges, but a few BWO's are still showing later in the day. If you go try using #18-24 BWO's, or midge patterns either dry or emerger. Fish the open pools with the dries, or add a pheasant tail, gnat, or a tiny midge emerger as a dropper while fishing the ends of a tailout into the open pools to catch fish.
South Fork of the Boise River
The river flows are running fairly steady at just below 300 cfs. which is great for wading and fishing. Fly fishing is fairly good and the road has gotten a lot better, but with continued mixed weather patterns this weekend be careful. There will mostly be midges showing up but you will likely see a few BWO's showing up at different times of the day as well. Streamers will work or larger stoneflies followed by a Copper John. Look for feeding fish through out the day for best results.
Wildhorse Reservoir
Wildhorse is still fishing fairly well for both perch and trout but it's a long way to go unless you want to slip into Elko for some entertainment. Give the good folks down at Dunn's Wildhorse Ranch and Resort (775)- 758- 8472 or 758-6471 for the latest in weather and fishing conditions.
Our fishing reports locations vary each week, but if there is a new lake, stream or river you would like to see on our fishing reports, . For more Fishing information in the Southwestern Region of Idaho and throughout the state, e-mail us at: askus@idfishnhunt.com
