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Hook Points

Hook Points

Idaho's Fishing Newsletter

Ryan Chris
February 23, 2026

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Fishing Reports

CJ Strike: Some mixed reports from CJ this past week with the cooler weather we had. Reports of 44 to 47 degree water which is down from the low 50’s guys were reporting last week. Crappie anglers reported finding fish deeper than they were last week with most saying they were finding fish in 40’. Trollers reported fewer catches than normal for crappie but were still picking up trout. I’m guessing that had more to do with the depths they were trolling at - just not quite getting down to where the crappie were. Take a look at the report from the Jones Sport Fishing in the video below for a very recent report. Perch fishing has been ok - lots of decent sized schools in the main bowl - with one report of them being a bit shallower than the crappie and pretty eager to eat a 1/4oz blade bait in 25’. Sold quite a few Big Bite Baits Kamikaze Swimons last week - good results for most on the crappie and perch - and one small bass that I know of 🤣! Bass fishing was tough earlier in the week and better as we got closer to the weekend - I did not receive any reports for Saturday or Sunday - both pretty windy days on the forecast. I’d have smaller minnow baits with me on Cipher Tungsten heads - 2.8 Keitechs, 3.5” Scented Jerk Shadz or even a 3” Keitech Easy Shiner. Blade baits, red cranks, dark brown cranks with some chartreuse in them, drop shots and ned rigs are all great options to have rigged up as well. Don’t live or die on the cranks just yet - but definitely worth doing some hunting around with them. Little dirtier water up the Snake River side.

Boise River: Only one report this week from an angler that was throwing spinners. He caught several smaller fish up by Barber Park but did report that a fly angler close by him was really catching them up! Went to talk to him and found out they were all whitefish. Nothing wrong with that! Getting bit is still getting bit! I did get a couple of questions this week about their spawning behaviors as an angler thought they were seeing them on redds. They are broadcast spawners and when I was guiding, always thought of them as Thanksgiving spawners. Some will start before and some with spawn later but that’s a pretty decent rule of thumb. Its good to know though…eggs are in the water at that time and other fish can eat ‘em…which means you can fish with egg patterns! Right now, I’d have small, nymph like baits like those from Z Man, Northland Tackle or Berkley as well as the small Berkley Gulp crawlers under floats or on bottom bouncing rigs. A simple split shot and small hook tipped with one of these baits can get it done. Keep those small jerkbaits and crankbaits rigged up for those sunny days!

Brownlee: Current water level is 2046.4, 1’ down from last week. You can still launch at the Spring ramp - but you will be using the old ramp. Remember that inside the “No Wake” Buoys at the Spring ramp is a rock pile that can be hit right now. Stay to the south side of the old ramp and all will be well! 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. As we suggested a week or so ago, Brownlee is starting to pick up. Some decent reports this weekend and some nice fish caught. For most it doesn’t look like a 50 fish day but you might hook into a few good ones! To do that, I’d have a decent collection of minnow baits with me either for shaking or for dragging. Love the Keitech Fat Swing in the 2.8 and 3.3 versions right now. Pro Blue and Electric Shad are good choices. Blade baits are still working! Make sure you have one in both Silver and Gold - play around and see which one is working better. I haven’t heard of anyone cranking fish successfully yet but we have a fairly warm week ahead of us so maybe! My crappie reports are from guys fishing for bass - they are seeing fish in 30’ and they are eating their minnow baits. Good sized fish as well!

Snake River: VERY mixed reports this week. In a lot of areas, the water is off color and cooler. I’d find the warmer, cleaner stuff if possible. Tungsten Finesse jigs are still getting bit as are minnow baits and even some cranks! Red…

Wilson Springs: No Report.

Lake Lowell: No Report.

Cascade Reservoir: Fishing for eaters has been really solid, jumbos have been a bit trickier. Sounds like most are fishing around that 30’ mark by the island, Poison and by the City Ramp. Jeff with Freedom Outdoors is recommending that with the pressure ridges and open water around them, bring snowmobiles as opposed to side by sides! Things are getting softer and not sure how much longer we are going to have safe ice. If you are going to go - stay in contact with Freedom Outdoors and Tackle Toms and better make it quick!

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: From Alan with Kokabow: A few Kokes are showing up but the trout are on fire! Fish are on top!

Arrowrock Reservoir: Both Kokes and trout are getting caught. Keep your gear on top! He recommends Black/Pink and Pink and Orange! Not everyone is finding them at Arrowrock! If you’re struggling at all, come talk to us and lets get you on ‘em!

Anderson Ranch Reservoir: Hearing that there might be 3 inches or so of snow on the ramp at Curlew. No actual fishing reports.

SALMON AND STEELHEAD BY CODY ARD!: The main part of the Clearwater run is between Orofino and Kooskia. The South Fork had a big push last month with good flows but has slowed down substantially with current lowering. North Fork is still producing some fish. Little Salmon is fishing quite well. The main Salmon upriver of Riggins is also fishing well. Last report I saw out of the upper - looking good! The ice jam is gone and water temps are still above freezing. For steelies - that’s really good. My money would be on the Little Salmon right now between Slick Rock and the falls. Boulder hole has been producing as well. Hard beads and soft beads as well as shrimp! We have coldwater = slow presentations.

Local Ponds: No Reports from any ponds this week.

Kokanee Class = Huge Success!, Kokanee Class Deals, Spring Shipments!, Getting Ready for the Sportsmans Show, New Steelhead/Salmon Report Section by Guide Cody Ard

We want to take a second to thank Alan with Kokabow Fishing Tackle for presenting to 97 anglers!! This class was a huge success! No one can take you from beginner or intermediate Kokanee angler to expert like Alan can! Thank you to all that attended - always so great to see everyone! What an amazing community we have.
If you attended the Kokanee class and would like to purchase product on the “Deal” sheet, please return it to us this week! I do not think you will find better pricing anywhere!
We will be raffling off some fun stuff to attendees at the Kokanee Class all week! Watch for announcements on socials!
Spring RESTOCK HAS BEGUN! Thousands of items showed up today…
We will be back at the Idaho Sportsmans Show with some fun stuff! As we always do - we will have the kids jig tying station, discounted product, a limited edition custom rod for sale ONLY at the the show and a fun Treasure Hunt!
Link Medium Spinning Rods are SOLD OUT! Medium Heavy Rods - 1 left!
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!!
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

Cool Walleye Vid!

Technically Speaking...

Texas Rig Mistakes

Local and National Fishing News…and other “Stuff”

This was a cool video!

Video: See bighorn sheep released into Idaho's Owyhee canyonlands

You may have heard about bighorns being released into southern Idaho’s Owyhee canyonlands, and now you can see the whole story behind this intensive project to boost bighorn herds.

idfg.idaho.gov/article/video-see-bighorn-sheep-released-idahos-owyhee-canyonlands

Local Camp Host Opportunity!

Fish and Game, Canyon County Parks seeking a volunteer camp host at Martin Landing

Canyon County Parks, Cultural & Natural Resources (CCPCNR) and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game are seeking a volunteer camp host at Martin Landing from April 1 through Oct. 31. The volunteer camp host will receive a $200 per month stipend and a complimentary RV site at Martin Landing that includes sewer, water, and electricity.

idfg.idaho.gov/article/fish-and-game-canyon-county-parks-seeking-volunteer-camp-host-martin-landing