Fish, food and fun in Cascade

Every spring, either the last weekend of April or the first

weekend of May, the residents of the sleepy little town of Cascade

are inundated with fisherman. The reason: Howdy’s Gas and

Grub Annual fishing tournament. This year marked the 13th

anniversary of the event, which drew over 800 competitors.

The tournament is open to all ages. There is even a junior division

open to children under the age of fourteen. Both adult and juniors

are eligible to win prizes. Cash prizes are awarded for the largest

trout by weight and the largest non-game fish. First place for

trout was $500 adults and $100 for juniors’. There was also

$100 awarded for the largest non-game fish.

This years winners were, Loyal Perry with a 6.44 lb. trout in the

adults division and Tyler Hargrove in the juniors division with a

4.48 lb. trout. Kenny Nyllon took home the prize for largest

non-game fish.

Cascade reservoir is one of Idaho’s most popular recreation

sites. Both the Boise National Forest and the Payette National

Forest make it a popular starting point for many wilderness

excursions surrounding it. Cascade Reservoir covers 30,000 acres

and the historic town of Van Wyck. Water sport enthusiasts flock to

the area during the summer months.

The reservoir is home to cold-water fish such as Kokanee, Rainbow

trout and Whitefish. Warm water fish like Smallmouth Bass, Bullhead

and Channel Catfish, Crappie, Pumpkinseed and Yellow Perch also do

well in the reservoir. Good fishing can also be found at nearby

locations such as, Sagehen Reservoir, Tripod Reservoir, Herrick

Reservoir, Fischer Pond and Corral Creek Reservoir. Anyone planning

on taking advantage of Idaho’s great fishing locations during

the summer should be sure to check with Fish and Game regarding all

rules and regulations.

Cascade Reservoir, like many others, is amply supplied with

facilities. At this location, there are about one dozen

well-appointed campgrounds, all fee areas, on either side of the

lake, including boat ramps. Some campgrounds, like Tamarack Falls

are handicap accessible. These campgrounds are clean, well cared

for and offer vault toilets, drinking water and picnic tables. For

seven dollars a night, these campsites are a great deal.

The reservoir is a haven for birds. Ducks, loons, osprey, eagles,

crows, and blackbirds all join forces to create a cacophony of

sound. Deer are frequent visitors to the area as well, and at

Buttercup Campground a family of ten foxes has taken up residence,

within viewing distance of visitors. A visitor might be surprised

to see the number of animals in this area.

West of the reservoir in the Payette National Forest there are

numerous opportunities to explore the wilderness. Four-wheel drive

and hiking trails can be found everywhere. Currently, the roads are

clear to about 6,000 feet. Please check with Cascade Ranger Station

for up to date road conditions before attempting a trip high into

the mountains.

The stretch of Highway 55 from New Meadows south to Highway 44 west

of Boise is so beautiful that it has been named an Idaho Scenic

Byway. The road is narrow and winding and follows the Payette River

for most of the trip.

The Payette River has been cutting through layers of granite rock

for years, which provides a stunning view of the rushing river.

During the summer, it seems nearly impossible to drive this route

without seeing people enjoying rafting trips that the Payette is

known for.

Cascade Reservoir, the Boise National Forest and the Payette

National Forest hold many opportunities. The distance to any of

these locations is about a two-hour drive from Boise, practically

right in our backyard. Take your family, or a friend and reward

yourself with a visit to a beautiful area.

CONTACTS

For information on fishing rules and regulations see Idaho Fish and

Game website:

“_new”>http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/fish/

For information on camping and fishing in Cascade call:

Lake Cascade State Park 208-382-4258

U.S. Forest Service 208-382-4271

Cascade Ranger District 208-382-7400

ichelle Sells
Outdoor Columnist

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