Ice Fishing in Idaho

Ice fishing on Lake Cascade has been added to many anglers’ bucket list in recent years. Restoration work that began in 2004 helped turn Lake Cascade into a world-class perch fishery, which produces "jumbo" perch that are 13 to 16-plus inches and weigh in excess of 2 pounds and draws anglers from around the country. The increased popularity and huge perch have presented new challenges for managers, which Fish and Game and partners are working to address.

As of Feb. 13, ice conditions on Cascade are excellent for both foot and snowmobile travel. The recent cold weather has iced over the slush and there is very little snow on the ice. Access sites are plowed and open as usual. 

 

As of Jan. 16, ice thickness is around 6.5 inches in front of Van Wyck (ID Parks and Rec.) boat ramp in Cascade, with about a foot of snow and/or snow and slush on top . A couple hundred yards from the shoreline, slush conditions improve, but travel is still difficult.

The 11th Annual Youth Ice Fishing Day at Horsethief Reservoir is just around the corner and kids and their parents are invited to spend a fun-filled day on the ice, fishing for rainbow trout. Sponsored by Idaho Youth Outdoors, Idaho Fish and Game and a host of others, this free event kicks off at 10:00am on Saturday, January 11, wrapping up at 3:00pm.

Lake Cascade has now frozen over entirely! As of today (Dec 30) there is 4-5 inches of good clear ice in the Sugarloaf boat ramp and island areas.

Ice fishing is more than a fishing trip, it's a way to get outdoors during winter, bring your family and friends, and hopefully catch a batch of tasty fish.