Every angler dreams of landing a once-in-a-lifetime kind of fish—and I was fortunate to experience one such catch this winter. While ice fishing at legendary Henrys Lake, I caught “Walter”, a 30-inch cutthroat-rainbow hybrid trout. It was the highlight of my ice fishing career, and one of my favorite catches ever. To celebrate the occasion,…
Come get hooked on the Idaho outdoors and support a good cause! Local mental health agency A Body & Mind Health Services (ABM) is hosting its annual ‘Hooked on Mental Health’ event Saturday, April 22, at Parkcenter Pond in Boise. The all-ages event begins at 8:30 a.m. Fishing permits for the event will be provided by…
March might be the toughest month of the year for local anglers. As we transition from ice fishing to open water season, many fisheries are in flux. The weather is also volatile—we’ve been seeing a steady dose of wind, rain and chilly temperatures. But where there’s a will, there’s a way, and there are still…
Every time I catch a sturgeon, I am amazed by these majestic, prehistoric creatures. To have a thriving population of Snake River giants—which can outlive humans and grow to more than 10 feet long—swimming in our own backyard is incredible. If you’ve never caught a sturgeon, it’s a one-of-a-kind fishing experience. I was reminded of…
February marks the final month of reliable ice at many local fisheries (although some will likely stay frozen into March). Ice conditions have improved thanks to colder temperatures, especially at higher elevations. As you plan your trips, here are some destinations to consider. As always, I recommend fishing on at least four inches of ice,…
Happy New Year! January is a prime ice fishing month, but mild weather is creating tricky access and lots of slush at many fisheries. Here are the top options as of this writing (January 12). Stay safe out there, and remember that ice conditions can change quickly. I recommend fishing with a partner/group, drilling test…