Discover the Ultimate Sturgeon Fishing Experience in Idaho

When it comes to sturgeon fishing, few places can rival the breathtaking beauty and abundant opportunities found in Idaho. At Jones Sport Fishing, we’re here to highlight the incredible areas we fish for sturgeon and explain why your next fishing adventure should take you to the heart of Idaho’s pristine waters.

Why Choose Idaho for Sturgeon Fishing?

Idaho is home to some of the most stunning landscapes and ecosystems in the United States. With rivers and lakes teeming with fish, it’s no wonder that sturgeon fishing has become a must-do activity for anglers from all over the nation. Here are several reasons why sturgeon fishing in Idaho should be at the top of your destination list:

  1. Year-Round Fishing Opportunities: Unlike many fishing destinations, Idaho offers anglers the unique opportunity to fish for sturgeon year-round. This means that no matter the season, there’s always a chance to hook into these magnificent fish.
  2. Expert Guidance from Local Professionals: At Jones Sport Fishing, our experienced guides are familiar with the local waters and know the best spots for sturgeon fishing. They are equipped with the latest techniques and tips to ensure that you have a successful outing.
  3. Diverse Fishing Locations: We fish in a variety of areas that are perfect for sturgeon, including American Falls, CJ Strike Reservoir, the King Hill area, and the lower end of Hell’s Canyon. These waters not only boast robust sturgeon populations but also offer beautiful scenery, making your fishing experience both enjoyable and memorable.
  4. Catch and Release Practices: Our commitment to sustainable fishing means that we promote catch and release practices, ensuring that the sturgeon population remains healthy for future generations. You can enjoy the thrill of catching a sturgeon while knowing that you’re helping conserve Idaho’s natural resources.

Prime Sturgeon Fishing Areas in Idaho

At Jones Sport Fishing, we target several key locations renowned for their sturgeon fishing potential:

  • Snake River in Southern Idaho: We target the Snake River South East of Boise Idaho in the CJ Strike area, and the Snake River between CJ Strike Dam and the town of Bliss. This is one of the best natural spawning areas in the Snake River for white sturgeon and is our flagship area for sturgeon fishing in Idaho. One of our owners, Brett Jones guided the current Idaho catch and release state record holder to his awesome catch here. That fish measuring 10’4” as of the date this was written still stands as the record for Idaho.
  • Lower Hells Canyon: The lower end of Hell’s Canyon is a top destination for sturgeon anglers. Located near the towns of Lewiston, Idaho and Clarkston, Washington, This area offer fantastic sturgeon fishing in the lower end of Americas deepest canyon. Catch rates here are not as high as the Souther Idaho or American Falls areas, but hooking and landing multiple big fish in a day is definitely a possibility. There are some very large sturgeon in this area, and added bonus of fantastic smallmouth bass fishing can be combined to any sturgeon trip in this area from April – October. Also during the months of September-March multi day trips can be arranged that target salmon or steelhead one day, and Sturgeon the next.
  • American Falls: This is probably the best location we offer for overall numbers of fish caught. The American Falls Sturgeon area offer a very high catch rate for fish that are generally between 3-7 feet with fish over 8 feet in length caught on occasion, but not at the rate of our other areas. The high catch rate in this area is perfect for kids.

Preparing for Your Sturgeon Fishing Adventure

If you’re ready for an unforgettable sturgeon fishing adventure, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

  • Dress Appropriately: Since sturgeon can be caught year-round, be sure to dress for the weather conditions. Layers are essential, especially during the cooler months. During cold weather make sure to bring waders so you can get in the water with these awesome fish and get that perfect picture.
  • Stay Hydrated and Energized: Fishing can be a physically demanding activity, so stay hydrated and bring snacks to keep your energy levels up throughout the day.

Conclusion

Idaho is a sturgeon fishing paradise waiting to be explored. With year-round fishing opportunities, stunning scenery, and experienced local guides, there’s no better place for anglers to embark on their next fishing adventure. Visit Jonessportfishing.com today to book your guided trip and discover the thrill of sturgeon fishing in Idaho—where every catch is a story waiting to be told!


Winter Crappie Fishing at CJ Strike: Why Pre-Spawn is the Best Time to Cast Your Line

As winter tightens its grip on Idaho, many anglers believe that fishing slows to a halt. However, savvy fishers know that crappie fishing during the pre-spawn period at CJ Strike Reservoir can yield incredible results. This hidden gem in Idaho’s angling landscape offers ideal conditions for targeting crappie throughout the colder months. In this article, we will explore why pre-spawn fishing is exceptionally productive and provide you with tips to make the most of your adventure, all while highlighting how you can plan your trip with Jonessportfishing.com.

Why Pre-Spawn Crappie Fishing is So Productive

1. Crappie Behavior in Winter

As water temperatures drop, crappie tend to school up in deeper waters and near structure. During the pre-spawn period, which typically begins when water temperatures rise to around 45-50°F, crappie start moving towards shallower areas in anticipation of spawning. This migration makes them easier to locate and catch, as they often congregate in larger schools.

2. Ideal Conditions at CJ Strike

CJ Strike Reservoir boasts an abundance of underwater structures like submerged trees, rocky points, and drop-offs that crappie love. As the weather starts to warm slightly leading into spring, these structures become hotspots for crappie fishing. The reservoir also experiences less boat traffic during the winter, allowing for a more serene fishing experience.

3. Optimal Techniques for Success

While jigging with soft plastics or bait works well, employing techniques such as vertical jigging or trolling can lead to better catches. When targeting pre-spawn crappies, look for them suspended over deeper water or near brush piles. Experimenting with various colors and sizes can help you find the right lure to entice these finicky fish.

Tips for a Successful Winter Crappie Fishing Trip

  • Gear Up Properly: Cold weather can be a deterrent for fishing, but having the right gear makes all the difference. Dress in layers, invest in quality gloves and hats, and consider using thermal clothing to stay warm on the water.
  • Take Advantage of Early Light: Fish are often more active during dawn and dusk, so plan your outings accordingly. Arriving early can increase your chances of a successful catch.
  • Stay Patient and Observant: Crappie fishing requires patience. Pay attention to your surroundings and any signs of fish activity, such as surface feeding or birds diving.

Booking Your Winter Fishing Adventure

If you’re ready to experience the thrill of winter crappie fishing at CJ Strike Reservoir, Jonessportfishing.com is your go-to resource for booking guided trips. Our expert guides are familiar with the local waters and have the knowledge to help you find and catch crappie during the pre-spawn period.

Simply visit Jonessportfishing.com to explore our trip options, learn about our experienced guides, and secure your spot for an unforgettable fishing adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a newcomer to the sport, we are dedicated to providing you with the tools and expertise necessary for a successful trip.

Conclusion

Winter crappie fishing at CJ Strike Reservoir during the pre-spawn season is an opportunity you won’t want to miss. With the right preparation, techniques, and guidance from Jonessportfishing.com, you can reel in impressive catches while enjoying the tranquility of Idaho’s winter landscape. Don’t let the cold deter you—gear up, head out, and discover the excitement of crappie fishing this winter!


Steelhead Fishing on the Clearwater River in February: Why It’s the Perfect Time to Cast Your Line

If you’re a passionate angler looking to land a prized steelhead, February is the perfect time to fish the Clearwater River in Idaho. Known for its beautiful scenery and incredible steelhead runs, the Clearwater is one of the top destinations for winter time steelhead fishing. In this post, we’ll explore why February is such a great month to fish for steelhead on the Clearwater River and how you can make the most of your fishing experience.

Why February is Ideal for Steelhead Fishing on the Clearwater River

  1. Prime Steelhead Run
    February falls right in the heart of steelhead season on the Clearwater River. During this time, both wild and hatchery steelhead make their way upstream to spawn, creating an exciting opportunity for anglers. These fish are often in excellent condition, having spent the winter months in the river, and are hungry and aggressive as they prepare for spawning.
  2. Milder Winter Weather
    While many parts of Idaho can experience harsh winter conditions, February often brings more favorable weather for fishing. The temperatures, while cold, are generally more tolerable for anglers than the deep winter months of January. The Clearwater River itself also tends to be more stable in terms of water levels and clarity, which makes it easier to plan your fishing trips. Steelhead thrive in clear, cold water, and the winter runoff that affects other rivers is often minimal on the Clearwater in February.
  3. Fewer Crowds, More Fish
    One of the major advantages of fishing in February is the reduced number of anglers on the river as long as you avoid the congestion near the hatcheries. Many anglers don’t realize that not all the fish are congregated in these busy fishing locations, and unlike the fall when anglers are spread out over the entire river, during February its not hard to get away from the crowds. Miles and miles of river will be void of anglers, giving the person who doesn’t mind exploring and rolling the dice the option to fish lots of water all to themselves.

Best Techniques for February Steelhead Fishing

To make the most of your steelhead fishing trip to the Clearwater River in February, consider the following techniques:

  • Drift Fishing: This method involves using a fishing rod to cast a baited hook or lure and letting it drift naturally with the current. Steelhead are often found in deeper pools or runs, making drift fishing a highly effective technique for getting your bait in front of them.
  • Bobber Fishing: During the cold weather months Clearwater Steelhead often congregate in the deeper slower holes as they wait for the warming water of early spring to finish their migration up stream. Fishing bobber in conjunction with both hard and soft beads, and jigs will produce quite a few fish.
  • Spinners and Spoons: Another effective technique for steelhead fishing is using spinners or spoons. Spinners and spoons are often an overlooked technique for steelhead on the Clearwater, but in the right conditons the flash and vibration from these lures can really get fish going.

Tips for Fishing the Clearwater River in February

  • Stay Warm: Dressing in layers is essential when fishing in February. It can be cold early in the morning, but the temperature may rise as the day progresses. Make sure to wear waterproof gear, gloves, and insulated boots to stay comfortable. A heater in the boat is always present on our boats this time of year. While if doesn’t replace the need for warm cloths it does provide a nice place to warm up the hands in between drifts
  • Check the River Conditions: Always check the river’s flow and clarity before heading out. The Clearwater River is subject to occasional fluctuations, and understanding water conditions will help you plan your trip more effectively.
  • Hire a Guide: If you’re unfamiliar with the river or the techniques required to catch steelhead in February, consider hiring a local fishing guide. They have in-depth knowledge of the area and can put you on the fish, saving you time and increasing your chances of success.

Why Fish the Clearwater River?

The Clearwater River is one of the most well-known rivers for steelhead fishing in Idaho. With its stunning views, abundant wildlife, and rich history, it offers an unforgettable fishing experience. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a beginner, February provides optimal conditions for steelhead fishing. The Clearwater’s accessibility and peaceful atmosphere during this time of year make it a prime location to fish for these majestic fish.

Book Your Steelhead Fishing Trip Today!

If you’re ready to experience the thrill of steelhead fishing on the Clearwater River this February, there’s no better time to plan your trip. Whether you’re after the catch of a lifetime or simply looking to enjoy the beauty of the Idaho wilderness, our experienced guides at Jones Sport Fishing are here to make your fishing trip unforgettable. We offer guided trips, equipment rentals, and expert tips to help you catch your next trophy steelhead.

Conclusion

February is one of the best months to fish the Clearwater River for steelhead. The combination of prime run timing, favorable weather, and fewer crowds makes it an ideal time for anglers. With the right techniques and preparation, you’ll be able to enjoy an amazing steelhead fishing adventure in one of Idaho’s most scenic and productive rivers. Book your trip today with Jones Sport Fishing, and let us help you land that trophy steelhead this winter!

Book online now!
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Is Winter the best time for Idaho Sturgeon?

Without a doubt the number one question we get in our office is “when is the best time to fish for sturgeon?” While the question seems simple our answer isn’t always as cut and dry. Through our conversations with customers we try and get an idea of what kind of trip they are looking for and what time of year might be the best to recommend, this isn’t always easy to do, as Idaho sturgeon fishing is good year round. Seasonal movements for spawning, and feeding often determine what areas we fish, and our guides are tuned into these cues and will put you on the best areas possible.

With all that said if folks are simply looking to catch a pile of sturgeon and have a great day out of the house the winter and early spring months of December-March are consistently some of our best for catching numbers of fish. The winter might not be the favorite time for getting in the water and swimming with your catch, but the fish are in predictable patterns and our guides consistently get on good numbers of fish. Fishing has been fantastic the last few weeks, so if looking for a winter adventure and fishing is more your thing don’t hesitate to give us a call or check out our online calendar under the book online tab.

Target Rich Environment: Idaho’s Best Steelhead River for Trophy Steelhead

We are so blessed to have Idaho’s Clearwater River in our backyard. The Clearwater is located in North Central Idaho and flows west from the Bitterroot Mountains, and finishes it journey by emptying into the Snake River in Lewiston Idaho. Idaho, even though its landlocked from the Pacific Ocean, enjoys fantastic Steelhead and Salmon fisheries in three major river systems. The Snake, Clearwater, and Salmon Rivers offer fantastic opportunities for anglers to enjoy Steelhead beginning in September and continuing into April. Although there are lots of areas to target Steelhead in Idaho only one river conjures up emotion and anticipation like the Clearwater. Much as a whitetail deer hunter yearns to sit on the edge of anIowa corn field looking for a 200 inch buck, Steelhead anglers flock to the Clearwater for an opportunity to land a fish of a lifetime.

Unlike Idaho’s other Steelhead rivers the run of Steelhead that make their way home to the Clearwater are predominantly referred to as B-Run Steelhead. Idaho’s Steelhead run is comprised of A-Run and B-Run fish. The A and B designation is determined by whey the fish cross Bonneville Dam ( the first of 8 dams on the Columbia and Snake Rivers that all Idaho Salmon and Steelhead must migrate through) A-Run fish are simply the fish that cross Bonneville Dam before August 25th and B- Run Fish are all steelhead counted after August 25th. Along with difference in run timing A-Run fish only tend to spend one year in the ocean, while the B-Run fish spend 2-3 years in the ocean before returning to Idaho. As you can imagine the difference in time spent feeding on the open ocean drastically impacts the overall size of these fish when returning to fresh water. A-Run Steelhead average 24-26 inches in length and weigh on average 4-6 pounds. B-Run Steelhead on the other hand average 32-34 inches and weigh 12-14 pounds on average with many fish in the 36-39 inch range, and a few 40 plus inch fish are landed every year.

We target steelhead on the Clearwater from September 10th – mid March. We often see some of our biggest fish of the year starting in early October with big fish ( 35” +) possible every day through mid March. Unlike other northwest steelhead rivers Idaho’s Clearwater is not a numbers game, but anglers from all over the world flock here for a chance at a fish of a lifetime. If looking for a trip of a lifetime give our office a call at 208-669-1569 or take a look at our calendar at the bottom of this page for the book online options.

Fall Into Great Sturgeon Fishing

The days are getting shorter, hunting seasons are open, and temperatures are dropping. This means one of the best times of year to chase sturgeon is upon us. Fall is one of the absolute best times of year to catch sturgeon as they feed heavily to stock up on critical fat reserves that will get them through the cold winter months ahead.

All of our sturgeon fisheries fish great during the Fall. Now is prime time for both our Southern Idaho area’s and Hells Canyon. Fall is also one of the best times of year to add some additional fishing opportunities onto your Sturgeon trip. In Southern Idaho Crappie and Perch fishing can be done on the same day with sturgeon, and in Hells Canyon we can easily do a sturgeon and steelhead combo trip. We can’t think of a better trip then catching world famous Snake River Steelhead in addition to battling huge Sturgeon.

We currently have openings in both Southern Idaho and Hells Canyon, so if you have been thinking of a sturgeon trip with us it’s not too late in the year, and you may end up on one of our best trips of the year.

Jones Sport Fishing Catches Idaho State Record Sturgeon

On Friday Idaho Fish and Game announced that on August 5th, 2022 the State Catch and Release Record had been broken. This amazing fish measuring 10’4” and was caught by Jones Sport Fishing customers Greg and Angie Poulsen who were on board Brett Jones’s boat on CJ Strike Reservoir. This is the second catch and release state record Brett Jones has been a part of. He is also the record holder rainbow trout for a beast of a rainbow caught out of American Falls Reservoir.

This record fish was just icing on the cake for an already incredible day. In addition to landing the record fish Greg and Angie also landed a 9’11”, 9’1”, and multiple other fish over 8 feet.

Brett, who has boated hundreds of sturgeon said this fish was like nothing he had ever seen before, and was just in awe by its overall size. Fish like this one are extremely rare, as this is the only 10 foot plus fish that Jones Sport Fishing has ever landed.

Sturgeon fishing in Idaho is an incredible experience and is a bucket list trip for many. At Jones Sport Fishing we offer sturgeon fishing year round in several locations throughout Idaho. Covering the Snake River in Southern Idaho, as well as the lower end of Hells Canyon. If you are interested you owe it to yourself to give our office a call at 208-669-1569 and Dani will get you all set up and answer any questions you may have.

Click the following link to check out Idaho Fish and Games press release https://idfg.idaho.gov/press/monster-sturgeon-tops-state-record-list

Hot Columbia River Sockeye Fishing

We have been on the Upper Columbia River fishing Sockeye and Summer Chinook since it opened on July 1st. Fishing has been absolutely amazing, and we are just now starting to see the bulk of the Sockeye run hit the Brewster area.

Due to a later than normal arrival of summer we have been spending most of our time downriver from Brewster in one of our favorite Summer areas near Wells Dam. This area has provided some incredible fishing, but has also lead to a lot of frustration as the high flows are causing some very rough river conditions. Spill from Wells Dam is highly variable, and completely unpredictable, making it necessary on some days to patiently wait for the rollers to subside so we could access the best fishing areas. The upside is that as soon as we have been able to get into the zone we have been in the fish.

We have been having great action on both Summer Chinook and Sockeye pulling 360 flashers and prawn spinners. This set up allows us to very effectively target both species at the same time. If looking for a rundown on how we rig this system up click on the video below.

Summer Chinook and Sockeye Report 7/5/22: Hot tips to catch more fish!
https://youtu.be/fDP3Y6-5A4U

As of this writing it is currently 100 degrees and the Brewster Pool will likely be setting up and fishing very well within the next few day. This is when Sockeye mania will start in earnest. We still have a few dates left to fill so if looking to book a trip make sure to get ahold of our office at 208-669-1569 and Dani will help get you booked.

It’s almost July, and that means Summer Chinook and Sockeye

The month of July will find us on the Upper Columbia River chasing summer Chinook and Sockeye. This is such a great opportunity as we have the best limits of the year. 2 adult chinook in addition to 2 sockeye is our daily limit. We often catch both Chinook and Sockeye on these trips, and there is nothing better than salmon fishing in July. Such a great time of year as we ditch the rain gear for shorts and sandals, and get a full day of fishing in before it gets too hot. 

We have openings for this fantastic fishing, so don’t hesitate to contact us and let’s get you summer plans all set up.

Clearwater Spring Chinook still going Strong!

Sitting here typing this email the Clearwater is definitely blown out, but it gives me a chance to give everyone an update on the awesome fishing we have been experiencing. Over the past month we have been having one of the best Spring Chinook salmon seasons of recent memory. We are filling our boats with both fish and happy customers on a daily basis, and it just so good to be experiencing this fantastic season here at home.

The best part about it all is that this Clearwater Spring Chinook season is far from over. With the awesome number of fish, and high water we are almost definitely looking at another two weeks of salmon fishing here on the Clearwater before we head out for the summer and make our yearly salmon camp on the Upper Columbia. 

We are looking to get back out on the Clearwater this Wednesday, and fishing is going to be incredibly good. The best part is we have boats open almost daily for the next two weeks, so if you are interested in getting in on our Spring Chinook season make sure to give our office a call today and let’s get you booked.