The Fourth annual Youth Ice Fishing Day will be 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Horsethief Reservoir east of Cascade.
It’s a great time to try ice fishing because there are loaner fishing rods, tackle and bait available (supplies are limited). There will be fish-cleaning stations, and even people to cook up your fish while you’re still on the ice.
It’s free and all anglers, kids and adults, can fish without a fishing license during the event. Prizes — mostly fishing tackle from the sponsors — will be awarded to the kids.
The youth ice fishing day started four years ago and attracted about 175 anglers, according to founder Sean Cluff. That number more than doubled last year and he expects a big crowd on Saturday.
Horsethief Reservoir is a popular ice fishing spot that’s owned by Idaho Fish and Game. It’s well stocked with rainbow and brown trout.
Partners in the event are Idaho Fish and Game, Idaho Youth Outdoors, Cabela’s, Sportsman’s Warehouse, Intermountain Jet Boat Association, University of Idaho — 4H Extension and Tackle Tom’s.
For information go to idahoyouthoutdoors.com.
Getting there: Take Idaho 55 north to Cascade, after the second bridge at the north end of town, turn east onto Warm Lake Highway for about six miles to the marked turnoff to the reservoir.
THINGS TO KNOW:
• Car pooling is advised. Parking is limited so the fewer vehicles at the parking area, the shorter the walk onto the ice will be.
• Wear the right shoes, preferably snow boots or other insulated, waterproof boots. You will be on ice that may have a layer of snow and slush. If you’re wearing tennis shoes or any other low-top shoes, you (or your kids) probably won’t last long.
• Dress in layers of warm clothes. If the sun comes out, it can be surprisingly warm on the ice. It’s better to shed a layer than have the choice between a shirt or a big, heavy coat. Don’t forget a warm hat and gloves. Spare gloves are advised in case one pair gets wet.
• Bring something for everyone to sit on — a folding chair, bucket stool, etc.
• Bring some drinks and snacks. Some hot dogs will be available, but depending the crowd, they could go fast.
• Bring gear and bait if you have it. There will be fishing gear available to borrow, but there will be a lot of people wanting it, too. If you forget bait before you leave, you can get it at Tackle Tom’s in Cascade.
• The crew from Cabela’s will be cooking fish at the reservoir, but still bring something to carry your fish in for the trip home. A small cooler is good, or even a heavy zip-top bag will do.
• If the forecast is clear and sunny, bring sunglasses and sunscreen.
• If you have a sled, bring it haul gear onto the ice.
Roger Phillips: 377-6215, Twitter: @rogeroutdoors
JOIN THE DISCUSSION | Register here
We welcome comments. Please keep them civil, short and to the point. ALL CAPS, spam, obscene, profane, abusive and off topic comments will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Thanks for taking part — and abiding by these simple rules. A thorough explanation of rules of conduct can be found in our Terms of Service. If you have any questions, including why your comment may not be showing immediately after you submit it, be sure to visit the commenting FAQ.