February is often the best month for ice fishing in\nIdaho. Pretty much all our regional hardwater fisheries now have safe ice (at\nleast four inches), giving anglers an opportunity to explore on foot and, in\nsome cases, via snowmobile or ATV. Here is a quick rundown on the latest\nconditions: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lake Cascade<\/strong>. The ice is good at Cascade,\nmeasuring anywhere\nfrom 9 to 13 inches<\/a> as of this writing. It is solid enough to support\nsnowmobiles and ATVs in most places. Fishing at Cascade is usually hit-or-miss\nas anglers pursue the elusive schools of jumbo perch, but February often brings\nthe best perch fishing of the season. Don\u2019t forget about the Cascade\nCup<\/a> derby, happening Feb. 19-20. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Horsethief Reservoir. <\/strong>Horsethief has about a foot\nof ice across the lake. The amount of snow on top is manageable, too. Horsethief\nis smaller and more accessible than Lake Cascade, and it is known for good\ncatch rates on stocked rainbow trout. It has been fishing slower than usual in\nrecent weeks, possibly because of a reported blood worm hatch that has the fish\nfeeling fat and happy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Warm Lake<\/strong>. The ice is solid at Warm Lake, and\nfishing has been steady. The bite tends to be best in the early morning for\nrainbow trout, brook trout and small Kokanee salmon. Be prepared for lots of\nsnow. North Shore Lodge<\/a> is\na good place to stay if you want to make it a weekend. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Payette Lake<\/strong>. The lake has at least six inches of\ngood ice out at least 100 yards from shore. It\u2019s not safe for snowmobiles. Mackinaw\ntrout<\/a> are the prime target at Payette. It\u2019s not a high-volume fishery, but\nthe opportunity is there to catch giant\nlake trout that<\/a> can weigh more than 20 pounds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n