Idaho Fish Report

Bear Lake has open water, and there is no ice on the lake. With mild temperatures predicted for this coming week, there is no chance of it freezing over for at least another week. There is just a skiff of snow on the ground and the east side boat ramps are open for launching, but the courtesy docks aren't in the water because of ice formation on the docks. Fishing has been good for cutthroat, lake trout and a few whitefish. Anglers report success while jigging tube jigs tipped with cisco or worms off the bottom in 35 to 70 feet of water. Other anglers are trolling and also catching some fish, but jigging has been the more productive method. The best spots have been off the east side in the Cisco Beach/North Eden area, Second Point and the rockpile off Gus Rich Point. Some fish have also come from off the rockpiles just north of the Utah State Park marina. The Bonneville Cisco run is expected to begin any day. Anglers have not started dipnetting for cisco along Cisco Beach yet. In years with open water, the cisco tend to begin their run a little later. A few anglers started catching cisco off the rockpile from boats. Remember, you must use lures that are legal for fishing for other types of fish. Foul-hooked cisco can be kept, but any other foul-hooked species must be returned immediately. The Cisco Disco/Polar Plunge/Chili Cook-off will be on Saturday, January 24, beginning at sunrise.