Ice fishing begins on some lakes

Recent freezing temperatures have paved the way for ice fishing on some of the area's smaller lakes.

However, anglers are always urged to use caution and do their own testing before heading out on the ice.

Those who work in the fishing industry say that just because someone is on the ice doesn't mean it's safe.

"People have started to ice fish on the smaller lakes," said Bud Frasca of North West Classic Tackle in Hayden.

Round, Kelso and Cocolalla lakes are among the lakes that build up enough ice to fish on first.

"They should get more and more ice (into mid-January)," Frasca said.

Frasca said pike fishing with bobbers near Wolf Lodge on Lake Coeur d'Alene and trolling on Lake Pend Oreille are other options.

"Fish are close to the surface, and that makes fishing that much more interesting," Frasca said. "You don't necessarily have to go down deep. As long as you have a heated boat and cabin and you can handle the cold, (going out on the lakes) is a possibility."

Meanwhile, steelhead fishing on the Clearwater and Grand Ronde rivers is "really good," Frasca said.

Plugs, jigs and indicators with a nymph are setup options.

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Open water fishing is still the only guarantee for anglers in Kootenai County right now, according to Jeff Smith.

Ice fishing might be possible by the weekend, Smith said. Maybe.

"I checked Avondale Tuesday (for ice), it wasn't safe. I checked Fernan Tuesday, it wasn't safe yet," said Smith, with Fins and Feathers Tackle Shop and Guide Service. "It just depends on what happens the next couple of days."

There are at least some open water opportunities for local fishermen, he added.

Folks have been reeling in whitefish from the Coeur d'Alene River, he said, where the fish have a generous catch limit of 25.

"They school up in the winter," Smith explained. "Guys have been going over there and doing pretty good on 'em."

Smith suggested using a bead head nymph, with maggots for bait. Glow hooks are a good idea, too, he said.

He suggested fishermen target deep holes.

"It's fun. Something to do," he said.

Others are still salmon fishing on Lake Coeur d'Alene, Smith added. He has been catching salmon that range between 18 and 25 inches, he said.

"It's been decent fishing," he said, reminding that salmon must be 20 inches to keep.

The salmon will likely be found from Carlin Bay on south, he said, added that he plans to fish by Rockford Bay.

He recommended using helmetted herring, flashers and mini squids. Fishermen should try scattering their lines at different depths, he said, with some at 90 to 100 feet and some between 40 and 60 feet.

"Don't give up on the deep stuff. You're still going to get some bites," he said.