Southwest Region Fishing Report

Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Updated: December 27, 2011

This report highlights a few of the best places to fish, what anglers are using and what they are catching. The information is compiled from regional Fish and Game fishery managers, local tackle shops and anglers.

Winter Report

If you can brave the cold temperatures we recommend getting out and taking advantage of the solitude you’ll find during the winter months.

You’ll find good fishing on the Boise River in town with bait and nymph flies and dry flies mid-day. You might even catch a Steelhead.

Cascade is fishing very well for perch. Please be very careful and double check ice conditions before venturing out.

We’ve heard reports that trolling for rainbow and kokanee has been successful at 40 feet deep near the dam at Lucky Peak towards Spring Shores.

If you are up for a bit of travel, winter offers great steelhead fishing opportunities when fish stop migrating and swim for deeper, slower water. You may also find less fishing pressure because many anglers throw in the towel when weather gets frigid!

Steelhead can be found in the Clearwater River from Lewiston upstream to Kooskia, the Snake River upstream to Hell’s Canyon Dam, and throughout the Salmon River. Winter steelhead fishing usually means deep water, slow presentation, and small lures. This time of year you will find most anglers drifting eggs or shrimp, jigs and bobbers, and slowly backtrolling plugs.

Before you go, take a look at the steelhead regulations and especially remember the “Big Three”:

Pinch your barbs down on all hooks you use.
Immediately release any steelhead you catch with an unclipped adipose fin.
Immediately validate your steelhead permit upon retaining a legal steelhead.

Please remember to dress for the weather and be mindful of slippery rocks and slippery boat decks. Wearing a life jacket is also a good idea, even for bank anglers. And remember, an unexpected fall into near freezing water can quickly become a life-threatening experience.