ISU Bengal

Issue date: 2/27/08 Section: Outdoor

Media Credit: Sarah Kalkwarf Dave Kalkwarf surveys Gem Lake for the ice conditions to see if it is safe to fish on.

Fishing is one of the favored summer activities in Idaho and the best part is that one does not have to travel long distances to fish, unless they want to. This makes fishing an appealing weekly get away in our area. However, in the cold months of winter, fishing would not seem as pleasant. For the person who loves to fish and needs to get out of the house during the winter, ice fishing is the answer.

Instead of wading in the water, the ice fisher walks above the water and drills a hole through the layers of ice with an ice auger. In Idaho, and ice fisher can fish up to five holes at a time. Watching five holes can get chaotic, so most ice fishers usually start with two or three holes. The ice fisher drops a line into each hole. Having more than one line per hole may tangle the lines.

There are a few different ways to fish. One can use a rod that is small and lightweight. These rods have reels that allow the ice fisher to reel the fish in.

Another way to fish is to use a "tip-up". Ice fishers do this by setting up two sticks with the line attached to them then, when a fish strikes the stick will drop off. When using a tip-up, the ice fisher reels the fish in by hand. The use of a tip-up offers a little more freedom to the ice fisher who can focus on other things like gossiping with friends.

Usually when ice fishing is portrayed in movies, a bunch of men are drinking and sitting around in a hut with a hole drilled into the ground beneath them. Many people do use ice shanties when ice fishing in the cold of winter, but on a warmer day many ice fishers are found exposed to the winter elements. They arm themselves with hats, coats, gloves and boots to face the cold. Many of these ice fishers can be found sitting on a stool or even a cooler full of beverages.

Among the many places to ice fish in Idaho are Ririe Reservoir, Palisades Reservoir, Gem Lake and Mud Lake. Other bets closer to Pocatello include: Hawkins, Chesterfield. Devil's Creek, and Weston reservoirs.

Any deep and slow moving body of water usually freezes in the winter. Two and a half inches of good ice is generally enough for walking on, but four inches of ice is recommended. Sleds and snow machines are not recommended for use on any ice less than five to six inches thick.

Most East Idaho fisherman are after trout, but warm water species are available in some waters.

For those who enjoy fishing and experience the cabin fever that winter tends to bring, ice fishing may be an appropriate option. Fishing licenses must be purchased before venturing out. The cost for a fishing license from Idaho Fish and Game is $25.75 for the year. Those who want more information on areas where ice fishing is allowed should visit http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/.

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