Rainbow Stocking Report - PDF file
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Windsor Nature Discovery
Boise River
The riverriver flows are still running just above average at around 280 cfs. These flows are just right for fishing, and the warmest part of the day is best to catch trout, including a few browns, a few whitefish and maybe even a steelhead. Try a salmon egg or worm, or a fly like a Prince Nymph to catch both trout and whitefish. Spinners, drifting bait and flies will also catch the steelhead and a big juicy night crawler or dark colored fly in a leech pattern might catch just about anything.
Brownlee Reservoir
Reports on crappie fishing have yet to be anything to get real excited about, but the fish are bound to be starting to stack up off secondary points and in coves anywhere from 10 to 30 feet down. The reservoir levels are dropping a little and will be about 19 feet down by the weekend. All the major boat ramps are still available.
Cascade Reservoir
Ice fishing has been slower since the ice derby and ice is starting to go, but some anglers are still catching a few big trout and big perch. Ice out will be soon. If you go try jigging spoons or small baited crappie jigs in about 25 feet or so for perch, and nearer the surface try marshmallows, worms, and Powerbait for trout. 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
The lake should be fishing fair with recently stocked trout. They were all real bruisers so there should still be a bunch of big fish hanging around, especially since it's catch and release only. Try smaller Woolly Buggers, Woolly Worms or leech patterns, maybe even small nymphs on a sinking line. 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
Folks are still catching some crappie and even a few bass. While it's not red hot as long as the weather isn't bad the fishing should be good enough to venture out. Most anglers are locating crappie along the west end of the Narrows. The fish are hanging out in about 25 feet but some are in shallower water. Just about any crappie jig will catch fish. The bass are tight against cover and won't move far for a bite, but a well-placed plastic crawdad might just do the trick. Bank anglers are also still catching a few trout near Black Sands, the Idaho Power North Park and occasionally up the Bruneau Arm at Jacks Creek. Trollers are also still catching a few fish up towards the Narrows with small pop gear or CountDown Rapalas. There is even a few folks catching perch in about 25-35 feet. Call the good folks down at The Fishin' Hole in Bruneau at 1-208-845-2001 for the latest information.
Horsethief Reservoir
Ice fishing is still fair, but poor weather headed into this weekend might make getting back to the reservoir a challenge. I would still take at least a 4-wheel drive or a snowmobile for the trip, and don't forget to take plenty of worms, marshmallows or Powerbait. Better yet, you might want to call Howdy's Gas & Grub (208) 382-6712 for road conditions before heading out.
Local Ponds
Several of the Treasure Valley's ponds were planted with fish and will be planted again in the coming weeks, and since the ice is all gone many of them are fishing fairly well. Wilson Springs Ponds South of Nampa is also a good choice because they've are regularly stocked and ice-free. Be sure and follow the special regulations for each pond.
Magic Reservoir
Ice fishing is still fair for both trout and some decent sized perch. No one is catching a bunch of perch but they're at least a bigger than last year. Try bright colored jigs in about 30 feet for perch and marshmallows, worms, or Powerbait for trout. The weather report is calling for snow or rain depending on the temperatures before this weekend so you might call the good folks at West Magic Resort at (208)-487-2571 just to be sure conditions are favorable for fishing.
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)
Ice is starting to pull away from the bank so access could be difficult. Ice out will be soon! Anglers were catching perch up to 12 inches and an occasional nice trout. They're supposed to get some snow the rest of this week and it might make for treacherous road conditions so you might want to check the latest conditions by calling the Shoshone Paiute Tribal Office - Toll Free: (800) 761-9133.
Owyhee River
Anglers are still catching some nice healthy fish. The midges and baetis are out best just after noon and then again before dark. 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 still running steady at around 300 cfs. which is perfect for wading and fishing. Fly fishing is still reasonably good but projected rain and or snow in the forecast might change all that so be careful when dropping down into the canyon. 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. Key on the feeding fish for best results.
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
