Still Water, November 23, 2024
The Sand Creek Ponds Wildlife Management Area north of St. Anthony will close to fishing on December 1st.
Still Water
Stillwaters, November 16th, 2024
IDF&G has released aged spawning rainbows in Mackay and Springfield Reservoir. They are big: ranging upward to ten pounds, but they are not pretty and they are not rugged fighters. Those that hold over through the winter will become worthy adversaries by spingtime. Leech patterns slowly retrieved seem to be a good way to attract them.
Still Waters, October 26th, 2024
Idaho Fish and Game’s Press Releases web site has some interesting information on walleye introduction in State waters. Most of this information applies to waters away from eastern Idaho (Only Oneida Reservoir on the Bear River has a good legal walleye population). However illegally introduced walleyes are being caught in Ririe Reservoir. Idaho Fish and Game offers that they make great table fare!
Stillwaters, October 12th, 2024
Most of our irrigation reservoirs feature water storage which enhances fish activity through cooling water which gives better dissolved oxygen concentrations. The large the salmonid, the more important good oxygen concentration becomes. Now trout will tend towards shallower water to forage. Leach, nymph, scud, streamer patterns become more effective. Consider getting onto such as Chesterfield, Daniels, and Treasureton Reservoirs and trying the waters adjacent to aquatic vegetation to present these.
Flies to try:
Still Waters, October 5th, 2024
As with Henry’s Lake a caution notice has been issued for the south end of American Falls Reservoir for blue green algae producing toxins that or dangerous for humans, pets and livestock. So keep tract for any other such notice on other still waters during our warmer than normal days.
Still Water, September 21st, 2024
Aldous Lake
Aldous Lake is an off the beaten path still water above Kilgore, and it hosts a Yellowstone cutthroat trout population that ranges into trophy sizes. It offers solitude but requires a flotation device for the best chances of fly fishing success. The walk to it from the trailhead is about a mile and a quarter with only one switchback of consequence. Surrounded by forest and some steep south side shoreline there is a limited space on the west side having room for casting. Best chances for fishing success is out in the lake around springs where small nymph patterns under and indicator and mayfly emerger patterns. As we cool off, fishing slows down here, but for the next few weeks Aldous Lake is worth considering for a visit.
Still Waters, September 14th, 2024
IDF&G has placed a fish salvage order for Jensen’s Grove Pond at Blackfoot. It begins September 20th and extends to October 30th. Firearms, chemicals, explosives, and electrical shocking are not allowed. Possession limits and size are suspended. No live fish may be transported from the pond to another water body. A valid Idaho fishing license is required for salvaging.
Still Waters, August 24th, 2024
IDF&G rainbow trout stocking in the Upper Snake Region waters is nearing its end for the season especially after Labor Day. Not quite so in the southeast region where such as Chesterfield and Springfield Reservoirs and others could receive more planters to maintain a catchable population past Labor Day weekend. Still waters around the region will soon be more comfortable for resident salmonids as we move into fall months.
Still Waters, August 21, 2024
IDF&G rainbow trout stocking in Upper Snake Region waters is nearing its end for the season. Not quite so in the southeast region where such as Chesterfield and Springfield Reservoirs and others could receive more planters to maintain a catchable population for Labor Day weekend.
Still Waters, August 13th, 2024
Attempts are being made to re-establish a kokanee population in Ririe Reservoir, but first the walleye population has to be reduced. Walleyes are great table fare, but they forage on all sportfish within their domain. So the reservoir’s sportfish population from trout and bass to yellow perch is becoming seriously reduced because of them. A range of sizes up to huge walleyes have been captured in the reservoir which indicates after being introduced illegally, they may have an expanding population.
Flies to fish: