Idaho Fish Report

Bear Lake has open water. There is no snow on the ground, and the east-side boat ramps are clear and open for launching. Courtesy docks are back in the water at First Point and Rainbow Cove. Fishing is still very good for cutthroat trout, whitefish and a few lake trout. Anglers who target trout are fishing with tube jigs tipped with cisco or worms. They are fishing right on the bottom in 35 to 70 feet of water. Try fishing off the rockpile near Ideal Beach, off the new rockpiles north of the marina, at Second Point and along Cisco Beach. Other anglers are trolling and catching fish in these same locations using jointed Rapalas (size 11) and minnow-shaped crankbaits. If you are after whitefish, use a small, 1/8- to 1/4-ounce jig and tip it with a piece of worm or a waxworm. Try using a vertical jigging spoon and then run another short piece of line between the spoon and a small ice fly (about 8 to 10 inches below the spoon). This method works well for both trout and whitefish. Remember, all cutthroat trout without a healed fin clip must be released.