-
1 of 10
-
2 of 10
-
3 of 10
-
4 of 10
-
5 of 10
-
6 of 10
-
7 of 10
-
8 of 10
-
9 of 10
-
10 of 10
Boise fishing hooks anglers
Archive
Comments
Story
Idaho is widely known for its beautiful scenery and extraordinary outdoor activities. From hiking to hunting, canoeing and camping, Idaho has it all for the outdoor enthusiast. Topping the list of outdoor summer fun in Idaho fishing. A lot of great spots to find the perfect fish to grill up are scattered throughout the state. In fact according to www.fishandgame.idaho.gov, Idaho has more than 10 world-class blue-ribbon wild trout streams and also contains more than 1,500 high mountain lakes with good trout fishing.
However, if you’re stuck in Boise this summer working a summer job that pays squat and you still have the angler’s itch to get out there and reel one in, there is still hope. It’s a little known fact that Boise is home to some really great fishing spots that will help satisfy your fishing fetish.
Just right next door to Boise State in walking distance, is the Boise River that is a prime spot to cast your reel. The Boise River is approximately 75 miles long and is home to trout and other fish species. It has a daily bag limit of 2 in certain parts of the river. For more information on the areas of the Boise River, you can check out the fish and game website or stop by there office and pick up the 2006-2007 Fishing Season and
Rules booklet.
“The Boise River fishing is good,” State Fish and Game Manager Bill Horton said. “What’s good is that it’s ready able area.”
Horton also said the best areas to fish on the river is between Barber Park and Glenwood. He said fisherman typically find trout and a small selection of Bass in the river also.
Another great spot in Boise to drop your line is the Park Center Pond. It has numerous areas where you can cast of from and plenty of shaded grass areas. Also as an added bonus, this spot is walking distance to Red Robin, just in case you don’t catch dinner.
Some other great locations to fish at in Boise (listed by the 2006-2007 Fish and Games Booklet) are Quinns (Bob Rice or Clocktower Pond, Riverside Pond, Settlers Park Pond, Veterans Park (Boise Cascade), Merrill Park Pond and McDevitt Pond.
“The ponds in Boise are great,” Horton said. “They provide great fishing for the non experienced and also you don’t have to travel far.”
What’s great about these waters are that they are Family Fishing Waters. That means that it’s open year-round, has a six trout and six bass limit and no limit on other species. Also there are no length limits and the use of any standard fishing gear.
On the down side these ponds are all stocked in the early months of the summer, but will not be replenished once the hot weather sets in during July and August. The species selections is also limited because they are mostly stocked with rainbow trout.
For locations to these waters you can contact the Fish and Games.
Outside of Boise, there is prime time fishing in the Upper Snake River Region (which is near Idaho Falls) and the Salmon River Region (which is near Salmon) if you’d like to take a day trip to go fishing. Another great day trip you can take is up to Bruneau Dunes State Park, which is about 20 miles outside of Mountain Home. Bruneau Park carries bass and has a daily bag limit of 2. What is also notable about making the trip to Bruneau is the sand dunes. The westernmost dune in Bruneau is reported to be the largest single-structured sand dune in North America with a peak 470 feet above the level of the lakes according to www.imnh.isu.edu. To start to fish in Idaho you must first obtain a license. According to Idaho Fish and Games any person 14 years of age or older must have a valid license or permit to fish for fish, bullfrogs, or crayfish in Idaho. Adult licenses for residents of Idaho are$25.75 for adults 18 years of age or older. Youth licenses for children 10-17 years of age are $13.75. Non-residents rates are higher.
Season fishing is $82.00, while daily fishing (1st day) is $11.50. Each consecutive day at initial time of purchase you add $5.00.
To purchase a license you can go down to the Fish and Games office or go online for more details.
The Fish and Games office is located on 600 S. Walnut St., which is just off of Broadway. You can also contact them at 334-3700 for more information.
Plan your fishing trip
The Idaho State Fish and Game department wants you to join in on the outdoor opportunities of Idaho so bad they are offering to do all the work in planning your next fishing trip. The Fish and Game recently unveiled a new search engine on its website that offers the capabilities of locating your ideal fishing spot some where in the State.
By visiting the department’s website http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/ the fishing destination of your choice can be mapped out before leaving the comfort of our home. The “Idaho Fishing Planner” link is located at the bottom of the department’s homepage and connects to a search for any lake or stream in Idaho you may want to locate. The site also gives information on the various species of fish you can expect to tangle with at each location.
MARY ALBL
Sports Writer
