January ice fishing report: Here’s where to find safe ice (and fish) in Southern Idaho

Happy New Year! As a friendly reminder, Idaho fishing licenses are based on the calendar year, so you need a new one for 2023. In addition to tackle shops and convenience stores, you can purchase a license online through the IDFG website.

January is a prime ice fishing month in our region, and here are the top options as of this writing. Stay safe out there, and remember that ice conditions can change quickly. I recommend fishing with a partner/group, drilling test holes as you go and only fishing if you find at least four inches of solid ice. If you want to learn more about ice fishing in Idaho, check out my upcoming class, Ice Fishing 101!

Horsethief Reservoir (Trout)

I fished Horsethief on New Year’s Eve with my young daughter and some friends. We found 8 inches of good ice, with a couple inches of slush and snow on top. Action was steady for pan-sized rainbow trout. Horsethief trout can be finicky biters — I like to use small-profile lures like a teardrop jig or tungsten nymph tipped with a mealworm or waxworm. Rainbow trout are the most common catch, but Horsethief also has brown trout, brook trout and kokanee salmon.

Lake Cascade (Perch, Trout)

The warm spell right before the New Year created messy conditions on Cascade, with inches of slush on top of the ice in many areas. Ice quality is improving, especially on the north end of the lake, where anglers are catching both perch and trout in modest numbers. From Sugarloaf Island south, the ice isn’t thick enough for snowmobiles yet, and the slush can make foot travel difficult. Perch-colored jigs, spoons and jigging Rapalas are usually the way to go at Cascade, and it’s a good idea to have some bait rigs out, too. For the latest reports, stop by Tackle Tom’s or call (208) 382-4367.

Magic Reservoir (Trout)

The recent drought has taken a toll on Magic, which was once a high-volume fishery for both trout and perch. Only the southern portion of the lake has held water in recent years, and dried-up spawning grounds have all but eliminated the perch. The good news is there are still plenty of rainbows, and the fish are big, averaging over 2 pounds. Jigs and spoons in red, white or pink are a good place to start.

Other options

Mountain View Reservoir on the Duck Valley Reservation is fishing well for good-sized trout and occasional jumbo perch. It requires a separate permit ($18 per day or $100 for the season). Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir south of Twin Falls has been fishing well for walleye, trout and some really nice perch. Dog Creek Reservoir near Gooding has about two inches of ice and should be ready soon. Payette Lake in McCall isn’t frozen yet. We had some “bonus spots” freeze around the Treasure Valley in late December, but most of those have melted off with milder temps. Stay 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.