Hook Points - Idaho's Fishing Newsletter

Fishing Reports

CJ Strike: Crappie and Perch fishing has been decent and of course, as the fishing picks up; in moves some really chilly weather. My recommendation has been to throw smaller, more neutral colored baits tipped with some kind of bait - my personal favorite is a white Berkley Crappie Nibble. It sounds like trolling for them has caught a few but finding them on your electronics and jigging through the school has been the most effective. Trolling however, has been catching trout. My usual recommendations are Flicker shads and Salmo Hornets as they just consistently put fish in the boat. Sturgeon reports have been decent up the river section on trout and other cut baits. One customer reported that carp belly has been very effective for them. Bass fishing reports have been pretty meh 😐️ . If you are going to take a shot at it, try an Idaho Rod and Reel Finesse Tungsten Football Jig, a 3/8 or 1/2oz blade bait, a 3.3 Keitech and even a small jigging spoon.

Boise River: Guys are commenting on how the river has slowed down just a bit but they are still catching. I think you will find a little more success on the slightly warmer and brighter days. The sunlight kicks off a whole lotta good stuff that gets the fish feeding a little more actively. Try drifting Ultralight Heavyweights jigs, egg patterns, small pieces of nightcrawlers under floats and see what happens. If you do get a warmer, sunnier day - give those smaller jerkbaits and crankbaits a try for a big brown.

Brownlee: Close to full. Going to find water temps between 36 and 41 degrees most likely. Find the warmer stuff and you’ll probably find some bass. Look at throwing a blade bait, 3.3 Keitech and a small finesse jig with a small trailer. Pretty much the same stuff I’d throw at CJ!

Snake River: Keep it simple…small swimbaits, neds and jigs for the bass. Warmer, sunnier days will be better…that could be relative 😃as it looks like things are getting cooler for a bit.

Wilson Springs: No report this week.

Lake Lowell: No report this week.

Lake Cascade: Good ice being reported. Always a good idea to check with the tackle shop but definitely people on the ice and catching! Thickest ice that I have heard of is on the north end. I would suspect we have solid ice on the south end as well - especially after this week. Looking for 12-20’ of water - pump a lot of holes and move around. Vertical jigging baits like a jigging rap or slab rap tipped with bait is a great place to start. The local tackle shop is a great place to start! Go talk to the folks at Tackle Toms to find out what is going on.

Owyhee River: No report this week.

Owyhee Reservoir: No report this week.

Duck valley: From the Tribal Website:

No new update from the tribe.

Lucky Peak Reservoir: Still catching fish but haven’t heard about ice or boat ramp conditions in a few days since the snow dumped on us.

Arrowrock Reservoir: Customer had a few great days at Arrowrock last week but I have not heard anything about ramp conditions since the cold stuff moved in…

Anderson Ranch: No report.

Local Ponds: No reports.

Shop News - Link Spinning Rods and Closing for Remodel

• The Idaho Rod and Reel Link Baitcasting Rods and Signature Jerkbait Rods are selling quickly! Come and take a look - I think you will be SHOCKED at how light they are! This project WAS PERSONAL! I have spent more than 2 years working on these rods - I am 100% confident you can’t find a better rod for anywhere close to this price. We manufactured these so you wouldn’t have to break the bank to fish a tournament quality rod.

• Idaho Rod and Reel Link Spinning Rods have been delayed at Port but we will have them in your hands before the end of the month - if everything goes to plan they should arrive the week of the 21st. Most of these are sold - if you would like one, please order online asap. Once they arrive, none of the Link or Signature rods will be available at the pre-order price of $119.99.

• Idaho Rod and Reel will be CLOSING on Friday, January 12th and will re-open on Friday, January 26th! We will be making room for new products, launching our new online store, launching new fishing related programs including our new Youth Program and installing our new Bragging Board! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for sneak peeks!

• TONS of new Ultralight Heavyweights jigs in stock! So many great patterns.

• Check out the new Ultralight Heavyweights Cali Jerk Tubes!

• 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!

• 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

Some winners…some losers

Technically Speaking...

Really interesting video on knot strength.

Local and National Fishing News…and other “Stuff”

Don’t forget your license for 2024!!

Are you trying this?!

Flashers on ICE!

Current Trout Stocking

Ice Fishing for Beginners

Cold water and bass metabolism:

New in the Shop

Ultralight Heavyweights Jigs Cali Jerk Tubes!

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

Lance Pitcher with a really nice smallie caught in the cold!

Phillip with an awesome Steelie!

Skyler with one more before the snow!