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Hook Points

Hook Points

Idaho's Fishing Newsletter

Ryan Chris
February 09, 2026

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Fishing Reports

CJ Strike: Very mixed reviews this week from CJ. Everything from “really good” to “this place sucks” 🤣 - that’s winter fishing in a nutshell. Or whatever this weird season is that we are having…when I get reports this mixed, I try to figure out what the commonalities are between the guys doing well and the folks doing poorly. Here’s my take away from last week…Perch are easier to catch than the crappie. Schools of both are not difficult to find but the perch seem to be a little more “snappy” and willing to eat. The SHALLOWER crappie are easier to catch…several reports of VERY white crappie that if released, are dying - so might as well keep ‘em! Just means they are spending time a little deeper and have slowed their metabolisms a bit. Schools of both are available in the narrows, main bowl and mouth of the Bruneau - look in 20-30’ with jigging raps, Hook Up Baits, SMALL minnow plastics like those by Northland Tackle and tip them all with nightcrawler, crappie nibbles or scent them with Smelly Jelly. For bass, seems to be a good day/bad day kind of deal. One day you are on them and the next they get lock jaw. Lots of fish in 20-30’ and if you are using Livescope or FFS, they are TOUGH to see - glued to the bottom. Not a bad strategy to draw them up with something like an A-rig and then follow up with a downsized minnow bait on a Cipher Fishing head…Not a bad time of the year to hunt for bass up the Snake River arm. On warmer, brighter days, give a red crankbait or lipless a try. I’d have a jerkbait as well. Otherwise - I’m throwing the good ol’ Ned rig right now - something dark and most likely the Berkley Little General - I like the idea of scent with negative fish.

Boise River: Not on fire but not totally dead either. Great spot if you have just a few hours and the sun is poking its head out. I have always found a little more success in the winter on sunny days for river trout. I’d keep things small and natural. Little bit of nightcrawler, a soft bead, shrimp on a jig head and if you want something a little sneaky, rig up a crappie jig and trim the skirt so that there are only a FEW full length legs…you’re welcome 😉!

Brownlee: Current water level is 2049, 4’ down from last week. You can still launch at the Spring ramp - but you will be using the old ramp. At this level, pay attention as in certain areas, there are rocks that are close to being exposed - especially around the Mountain Man Lodge area. Its been fishing tough - I think a combo of water temps and water levels - still fish to be caught but I would say one of the tougher spots right now. If you are going bass fishing - probably going to be scoping. Give the 3.5” Mooch Minnow or Z Man Scented Jerk Shad - if they follow but won’t commit, try cutting the tail back or throwing something smaller. There are good sized crappie to be caught! Schools are in 30-35’. Shaking the same minnow you are throwing at the bass is not a bad option!

Snake River: Fishing tough, but fair. I don’t know that you are going to rack up a 50 fish day but 8-10 fish is definitely doable. The IRR Tungsten Finesse Jig has been producing! Pair it with your favorite craw trailer OR get even more finesse-y and throw a straight Ned bait on it and cut the skirt pretty short. Speaking of Ned’s…throw one!! From the bank, grab the Idaho Rod and Reel EWG Tungsten Ned head so you can Texas rig your bait and snag less. From a boat, I’m throwing the standard J-hook Idaho Rod and Reel Tungsten Ned head.

Wilson Springs: Great right after they stock it!! Powerbait, nightcrawlers and small crappie jigs.

Lake Lowell: No Report.

Cascade Reservoir: Lots of good info this week from Jeff with Freedom Outdoors. Sounds like things got a little sloppy with the rain yesterday but he is expecting it to firm up today/tomorrow and create more ice! He warns to watch for ice heaves with open water behind them. Sounds like good keeper bites up around Blue Herron in 18-21’ - samller slab raps and tungsten jigs. He mentioned the jumbos are coming from either 7-10’ or 30+!!! Cascade Cup is this weekend put on by Tackle Toms. Good luck to all and be safe!! Don’t forget to stop in these great shops and get yourself set up correctly and to get current reports and ice conditions.

Horsethief Reservoir: No report this week. Again - check with the awesome shops in Cascade!!

Owyhee Reservoir: No report.

Owyhee River: No report.

Duck valley: CAN BUY PERMITS ONLINE!!!

No Report.

Lucky Peak Reservoir: Alan with Kokabow Tackle let me know that they are catching some decent sized Kokes at LP! Launch at Spring Shores and work your way up towards the dam. Fish are on top!

Arrowrock Reservoir: Good reports from Alan about Arrowrock! The road has been recently graded. Fish are on top and don’t be surprised if you catch more trout that you can handle! But there are some very healthy Kokes in there too! He reminded me to let everyone know to switch your gear if it’s quiet for 20ish minutes. One small color change can be the difference!

Anderson Ranch Reservoir: Some reports for lots of small fish on top. If it were me, I’d get in at the dam and fish around that area.

Local Ponds: No Reports from any ponds this week.

Kokanee Kick Off FILLING FAST!, Link Rods, Limited Edition Rod!!, Boat Shop REBRAND Coming Soon

CLASS IS FILLING FAST! Our annual SPRING KOKANEE KICKOFF WILL BE HELD ON FEBRUARY 21st!! Class will be taught by Alan Greenhalgh from Kokabow Fishing Tackle! Come and hear all about the latest from Idaho Fish and Game about the state of our Kokanee Fisheries! This year we will hold the class in the showroom of J and H Sales and Marine. Class will be from 10am to Noon! As per usual, we will have crazy deals on everything you need to get your Kokanee season started right! Over 120 attendees last year!! You are not going to want to miss this! REGISTRATION IS LIVE now online at idahorodandreel.com under the classes tab. You can also contact Idaho Rod and Reel at 208-586-9434 if you need help getting signed up!
The 7’5” Heavy Link Casting Rods are selling FAST!! We have sold more than half of them! We are also staring at 1 MORE LINK MEDIUM SPINNING ROD and then we will be sold out!
THERE ARE ONLY 3!! Link Medium Spinning Rods Left!!
I am VERY EXCITED to announce a LIMITED EDITION SPINNING ROD that we made specifically for the Idaho Sportsman Show!! This rod was inspired by and meant to be a tribute to one of my absolute favorite fish on the planet - THE SMALLMOUTH BASS! Named the “Red Eye” rod after the amazing smallies that we get to fish for, this spinning rod is a 7’2” Medium/Fast Multi Purpose Smallmouth catching machine! I think you’ll love the design of this one! Just like our Link and Imperium rods, this is a 44 ton custom blank manufactured by Idaho Rod and Reel (meaning: we MAKE the blank!) and trimmed out with high quality Fuji components. We ONLY MADE 100 of these and will ONLY be available in our booth at the Idaho Sportsmans show! Once they are gone - that’s it! The price?? It will blow your mind… 😉
IF YOU WANT TO SAVE A FEW BUCKS…take advantage right now. We are seeing significant price increases with most vendors - especially in the rod and reel department. We purchased quite a bit of product BEFORE the price increases hit and have not marked this product up to the new MSRP’s. If you are thinking about new rods and reels for spring, might want to grab them now. We have started ordering and receiving product at the new pricing so these lower prices won’t be around for long.
BEGINNING BASS FISHING CLASS COMING SOON!!
Check out the new 2026 IRR Beanies! A best seller every winter at $12.99.
One of the things that makes us a little different is our commitment to manufacturing high quality products that improve the quality of fishing for our community. Link rods, Tungsten Finesse Jigs, Clothing, the new Forge Rods and more…WAIT TIL YOU SEE WHAT WE HAVE COMING IN 2026!! The shop theme for 2026 will be all about PB’s!! Gonna be fun…
^{Is there something you’d like to see in the shop? Email me at [email protected]…one random suggestion just might end up winning you a prize.}

Worth Watching

Knots don’t matter??!!

Technically Speaking...

Understanding Down Imaging!

Local and National Fishing News…and other “Stuff”

Salmon Season…

Chinook season proposals to be posted on Feb. 11

Idaho Fish and Game will be setting new seasons for upcoming spring and summer Chinook fisheries and gathering public input on the upcoming season proposals from Feb. 11 to Feb. 22. The public comment period will include four regional public meetings during the third week in February.

idfg.idaho.gov/article/chinook-season-proposals-be-posted-feb-11