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Fishing Reports
CJ Strike: Time to go get some Perch and Crappie! Fishing has been really good for these two species. Take a look at small Z-man baits paired with Finesse Shroomz Heads. I like these plastics in the really cold water. Look for fish in 25 to 35’ of water and not just around the narrows. Go explore a bit! Bass fishing has been tough. If you’re going to go, target the warmer days with SUNLIGHT - throw a blade bait or a small jig and craw trailer. Trout fishing remains consistent. From the bank - nightcrawlers and from a boat - trolling Salmo Hornets will catch them. We just got in the Salmo Hornet in the GHOST color - that’s my favorite and Salmo is frequently out of stock…hmmm, wonder why 😉
Boise River: The river is still fishing really well for big browns, rainbow, steelhead and whities. If you are in need of a quick fish fix - this should be tops on your list of places to go. Ultralight heavyweights under a float, shrimp on a jig head, Berkley Power Nymphs and small cranks and jerkbaits will get you bit!
Brownlee: Close to full. Water is cold and the bass fishing has been a little tough. If you are going to give it a go, a blade bait would be top of my list with a finesse jig and craw tied up on rod #2. Fish will likely be deeper - 30-40’. I have one report from a trusted crappie fisherman who said that it took them a few hours to find a good school but when they did, fishing was great.
Snake River: If you can, pick a sunny day to go. I was just on the river and when the sun was out - the fishing was noticeably better. As the sun went down - so did the fish count. The bait of the day was the ½oz Idaho Rod and Reel Tungsten Finesse jig with the Reins Ring Craw - fished SLOWLY.
Wilson Springs: Fishing has been really good. Broken record but powerbait and Ultralight Heavyweights jigs…
Lake Lowell: No report this week.
Lake Cascade: ICE! Fish are being caught on shad raps, small soft plastic jigs and jigging raps. BE CAREFUL!! Some VERY questionable ice in lots of areas.
Owyhee River: Fishing has been decent. You’ll probably notice a shorter window in which the fishing is really good - target a smidge past mid day and I bet you’ll get on em. Shrimp on a jig and Berkley Power Nymphs…
Owyhee Reservoir: No report this week.
Duck valley: From the Tribal Website:
January 2, 2024 – The week opens up with mild temperatures carried over from last week requiring little more than a light to mid-weight jacket to venture the outdoors, however, winter is coming, as mid-week a heavy overcast rolls the Owyhee skies late Tuesday bringing with it over five inches of accumulated frozen precipitation, and a twenty-degree temperature drop by Sunday’s end. West driven wind over 10 mph with a wind chill factor of -10, making thirty degrees feel like twenty. Colder weather looks promising to the current state of ice fishing. Please be aware ice is present along shorelines, in varied areas, and in some places covering large sections of the reservoir, however, the ice is currently way less than three inches thick, and unsafe. In areas with clear open water access, there is reduced moss presence, and rainbow trout activity levels have been reported moderate to high.
Lucky Peak Reservoir: Good fishing for trout and Kokanee. Water levels are up. It has been an early and late bite with a mid day lull. Fish have been all over the place…10-30’ depending on who you talk to. Orange has been the color I have been hearing the most good about!
Arrowrock Reservoir: SAME REPORT AS LUCKY PEAK!!
Anderson Ranch: Couple of decent reports came in from Anderson last week. You’ll catch them if you go but LP and AR the best bang for the buck.
Local Ponds: No reports.
Shop News - Link Rod Update, Signature Jerkbait Rod ALMOST SOLD OUT!, Changes Coming
The Idaho Rod and Reel Link Baitcasting Rods are selling quickly! Come and take a look! I think you will be SHOCKED at how light they are! Spinning Rods are not here yet but I am expecting them any day. There is nothing like these on the market at this price - I would put them up against ANY other brand.
The Idaho Rod and Reel Link and Signature Jerkbait rods are selling quickly and will be sold out soon at this rate. I don’t know of a lighter jerkbait rod on the market - 3.3 ounces! I personally witnessed the benefit of the right power and action as several fish I caught this past weekend on the jerkbait were caught on a single back hook - all were landed.
Idaho Rod and Reel will be CLOSING FOR A WEEK OR SO IN JANUARY TO REMODEL AND PREPARE FOR SEVERAL CHANGES IN 2024! More to be announced later.
Check out the New Damiki product in stock now! The Air Craw paired with a finesse jig??? You gotta see it…
The 2024 Idaho Bass Nation Banquet is right around the corner and tickets are available at Idaho Rod and Reel. Tickets are $45/ea and include a brisket buffet style dinner and the opportunity to listen to guest speaker and Professional bass angler Brandon Palaniuk! Event will be held in Caldwell at the Elks Lodge on January 20 - 6pm. More details in the shop!
2024 is going to be an exciting year for the shop! Changes coming…something for the YOUTH!!
I’d love to hear from you about products that you would like to see in the shop. Email me at [email protected]…one random suggestion just might end up winning you a prize
Worth Watching
Good for all kinds of fish!
Technically Speaking...
Cold weather crappie…
Local and National Fishing News…and other “Stuff”
Don’t forget your license for 2024!!
BIG FISH!
Meet the Elites!
I have a rod for this 😉….
Current Trout Stocking
For the DIY-er
New in the Shop
Damiki 3” Air Craws!!!
New Idaho Rod and Reel Beanies are Here! Just $12.99
Catch Spotlight
Submit your own entry to be featured in Hook Points to: [email protected], Subject: Catch Spotlight
Great catch Miguel!
Brian with his PB!
Paul has been on the Kokanee for a while now!
Pretty proud of this one…IRR Jerkbait, IRR Jerkbait Rod, IRR Dorky Owner = Smallmouth!
“Well done is better than well said.”