Tag: Boise Fishing Trips

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Discover Unforgettable Fishing Trips Near Boise, Idaho: CJ Strike Reservoir and the Snake River

Are you an avid angler or someone looking to experience the thrill of fishing? Welcome to Jones Sport Fishing your ultimate destination for exciting fishing trips near Boise, Idaho! Join us as we explore two of the most stunning fishing spots in the region: CJ Strike Reservoir and the Snake River.

Why Choose Fishing Trips Near Boise?

Boise, known for its beautiful landscapes and vibrant outdoor activities, is a fantastic starting point for fishing enthusiasts. With our guided fishing trips, you’ll have the chance to escape the bustle of city life and immerse yourself in nature. Whether you’re a seasoned fisherman or a beginner, there’s something for everyone!

White Sturgeon caught on the Snake River near CJ Strike Reservoir

CJ Strike Reservoir: A Hidden Gem

Located just a short drive from Boise, CJ Strike Reservoir is renowned for its diverse fish population and breathtaking scenery. This expansive reservoir offers abundant opportunities to catch species such as sturgeon, bass, crappie, and trout.

Our fishing trips at CJ Strike are designed to provide you with a memorable experience. With knowledgeable guides, you’ll learn about the best fishing techniques and local fishing regulations. The tranquil waters combined with picturesque views make this spot a paradise for anglers seeking relaxation and adventure.

Cast Your Line on the Snake River

The Snake River is another must-visit fishing destination near Boise. Famous for its stunning canyons and rich wildlife, the river is home to various fish species, including rainbow trout and sturgeon. Our fishing excursions on the Snake River cater to all skill levels, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a day on the water.

Imagine casting your line while surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of Idaho. Our expert guides will take you to the best fishing holes, sharing tips and tricks to help you make the most out of your fishing trip. Plus, the opportunity to witness the local wildlife adds an unforgettable touch to your experience.

Crappie and Perch fishing at CJ Strike Reservoir

What to Expect on Your Fishing Trip

When you book a fishing trip with Jones Sport Fishing you can expect:

  • All Equipment Provided: We supply all the necessary gear, so you can focus on fishing.
  • Expert Guidance: Our experienced guides know the waters and will provide personalized tips.
  • Safety First: We prioritize safety on all our trips, ensuring you have a worry-free experience.
  • Memories to Last a Lifetime: Enjoy quality time with friends or family while immersing yourself in the beauty of Idaho’s outdoors.

Book Your Fishing Adventure Today!

Are you ready to reel in the big one? Don’t miss out on the incredible fishing opportunities waiting for you at CJ Strike Reservoir and the Snake River. Visit jonessportfishing.com to learn more about our fishing trips near Boise, Idaho, and to book your adventure today. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or looking for an exciting day trip, we’re here to make your fishing dreams come true!

Make memories, catch fish, and explore the beautiful waters of Idaho with Jonessportfishing.com! Contact us today for more details and let the adventure begin!

Idaho Sturgeon caught near Boise, Idaho
Idaho Sturgeon caught near Boise, Idaho on the Snake River
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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!

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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!

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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.

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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.

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How To Rig Up For Sturgeon

Just wanted to take a chance to share with everyone a recent video we uploaded to our YouTube Channel. In this video guide Joe Weisner, one of the fishiest dudes we have ever met, give a quick rundown on how he rigs up for sturgeon on the Snake River in Southern Idaho. Keep in mind we are fishing from boats, and this rigging may or may not work well for bank anglers. We have landed hundreds of fish with this set up, and it works very well for us.

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Idaho Walleye Fishing

When thinking of Walleye fishing Idaho is probably not the first place that comes to mind. Most people would be quick to point to places in the Upper Midwest, places like the Dakotas, Minnesota, or Michigan, and any walleye fisherman worth their leadcore would definitely put the Columbia River high on the list, but although limited to only a handful of locations Idaho actually has some fantastic walleye fishing opportunities. The current state record came from Oakley Reservoir, and weighed in at 17.88 pounds. The current catch and release record hails from Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir and is 31.5 inches in length.

In addition to Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir and Oakley Reservoir walleye can also be found in Ririe Reservoir in Eastern Idaho, and Lake Pend Oreille in Northern Idaho. All of these fisheries have the potential to produce some fantastic walleye fishing, but for anglers looking for consistent success Salmon Falls Creek and Oakley Reservoirs are the top destinations for Idaho walleye anglers.

While Oakley is a great fishery its just a place that we haven’t really spent any time fishing. Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir on the other hand is our location of choice. As it turns out we also are the holders of an Idaho Outfitters license for Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir and we offer fully guided Walleye Fishing trips on one of Idaho’s best walleye fisheries.

Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir, locally known as Salmon Dam is a unique high desert reservoir nestled into the deep canyon formed by Salmon Falls Creek. This is a unique walleye fishery in that this reservoir has very steep drop off banks that surround most of the impoundment. A lot of the shoreline here are sheer cliffs that plunge directly into the water. These unique features make Salmon Dam a different style of fishery than most walleye fisheries around the west. Popular walleye techniques such as worm harnesses behind a bottom bouncer, and trolling crankbaits can be super effective here especially on a few of the larger mud flats. In addition to trolling anglers pitching and vertically jigging jigs rigged with bait and soft plastics typically produce a bunch of walleye. Currently Salmon Dam is absolutely chocked full of smaller eater size walleye. These 12-15 inch fish will make up most of the catch here, and with a 6 fish limit they provide an awesome opportunity to take some tasty walleye home for dinner. Salmon Dam also holds some very decent walleye over 20 inches, but these larger fish are much more spread out. When targeting larger walleye you are almost fishing for a different fish. Its like the difference in chasing young whitetail bucks and old mature bucks, it just takes a different mindset. Large walleye can be found, but guys need to be willing to fish for just a few bites a day. Most of the reservoirs big walleye are caught in what we refer to as the “steep and deep” areas. These bigger walleye will use the steep cliffs and associated deep water as refuge when they are not feeding, then move just a short distance to their preferred feeding location in sometimes very shallow water. The other thing that makes big walleye tough here is that they are predominantly a nocturnal feeder using the darkness of night as cover while they hunt their prey in shallow water.

We absolutely love the uniqueness of this fishery and our family has history fishing here, often times at family gatherings the stories told around the campfire seem to drift to a lonely night on Salmon Dam searching for trophy walleye. We would love to show you why this place is special to us. If you are looking to learn more about this fishery, or just would like a different Southern Idaho experience nothing quite beats a day on Salmon Dam with one of our awesome guides.

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Opening Day! Eastern Idaho Trout Madness.

There are few days on our calendar that generate as much hype and excitement as opening day of bait and keep season on the Snake River near American Falls. The bait and keep season on this section of river always opens the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend, and anglers across Southern Idaho look forward to this date with a cult like following. If you like to fish in solitude this is not the time or place to make your first trip to this river section, but for anglers willing to brave the crowds this is a special time of year. Boats will begin fishing as soon as the clock strikes 12 am, and the crowds and anglers will build through the morning. It is not uncommon to not be able to find a parking spot at the ramp if you launch much after first light.

Baits of choice for anglers on the opener very but the best and most seasoned anglers almost exclusively fish cut bait. In this section of river these trout are feeding on the abundant dead or dying fish that get sucked through the power plant on the dam. American Falls Reservoir is an unbelievably fertile system and the trout in the river below are definitely keyed into meat. For us sucker meat tops the list for cut bait choices, but other baits also work well, and for anglers without a supply of bait good old night crawlers are also a solid option.

The limit here is 6 trout but only 2 can be greater than 16 inches. We STRONGLY advocate that anglers fishing with bait catch keep their first two fish if hooked deep and quit fishing. Most of these fish will be hooked very deep on bait and have a tough time surviving being released. Another reason to keep only your two fish and get off the water is that almost all the fish in this area are greater than 16 inches, so although you can legally continue to fish for your limit it is best for the fishery to either quit fishing after 2 or switch to artificial lures and baits. Our typical scenario is that after we get our customers each 2 fish over 16 inches we switch things up and target the plentiful smallmouth bass. The limit on bass in this area is also 2 so by switching to bass fishing we are able to have a really cool combo bag to send our customers home with.

Although the first few days of the season can resemble a blue light special at K-Mart, the crowds start to greatly thin out after the first weekend of the season, and even on the busiest days our guides know the river like the back of their hand and can get you on fish away from the crowds. Opening day is like our new year, and is a day we look forward to. Although we are booked for the opening weekend often a year in advance, we have lots of open dates (especially mid week) including the first week of the season. This fishery will fish well through June until water temperatures warm up to the point the trout turn sluggish.

If you are interested in some of the most exciting fishing of the year don’t hesitate to give our office a call and get your trip booked now. We offer both full day and half day evening trips. Call 208-669-1569 and Dani can get you all set up.

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Snake River Spring Sturgeon

We often get asked what our favorite thing to fish for is, and I bet if you asked all of our guides you would get a different answer from each of them. One thing though that we all agree on is that Sturgeon Fishing on the Snake River in the Spring is an awesome experience.

Spring is a time of revival. The river canyon is waking up from its winter sleep and life is all around. Green grass can be seen on the hillsides where in only a few short weeks summer will be set in and the canyon walls will be locked into their dry brown look again. Just like the grasses and the birds, the sturgeon are waking up too. These fish have spent most of the winter in deep holding water feeding on whatever merger resources they can find, and now with the warming water they are on the hunt for food. Along with a search for food is an urge to spawn, and many of our fish are traveling the river system to find their spawning grounds.

Spring is definitely a movement period for these fish, and every day is an adventure in finding fish. It’s amazing how much some of these fish can move day to day, and equally amazing how some seem to stay in certain holes, content to live their lives in one sweet spot.

During the spring we often see some of our best fishing of the year in our Hells Canyon Fishery, as for some reason this time of year tends to concentrate a large number of fish in the general vicinity of Heller Bar. Spring is also a great time of year for our Southern Idaho fishery’s, but it tends to just mark the beginning of an awesome season.

If you are looking for a sturgeon adventure in Hells Canyon or southern Idaho make sure to get with us. We are full time professional fishing guides and we strive to make your trip special. We provide all fishing gear and even cook you a hot lunch on the boat.

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Spring Fishing Opportunities

Columbia River Walleye

Columbia River Walleye, CJ Strike and Hells Canyon Sturgeon, American Falls Trout, and CJ Strike Crappie!

These are just a few of the options that we have right now to get you out on the water this spring with us. March is our official kickoff for our Columbia River Walleye season, and we couldn’t be more excited to chase these tasty and challenging fish. Walleye are one of the most sought after fish in the Columbia basin, and we cant wait to be out on the river chasing them.

March also means the giant white Sturgeon of the Snake River really start to wake up and feed.  We have already had some fantastic Sturgeon fishing the past month or so, and that will just continue to get better as the weather warms, and water temps make getting in the water for a glory shot even more enjoyable.  We are having great success on CJ Strike Reservoir located and hour south of Boise, ID as well as on the lower end of Hell’s Canyon near Lewiston, ID.  Both of these fisheries are a great way to get out on the water and enjoy one of the coolest fish that swims in our Idaho waters.  

March is also our kickoff for trophy trout on the Snake River near American Falls, as well as American Falls Reservoir.  March is one of the best times to spend a day in one of our drift boats fly fishing for the huge trout that call the Snake River home.  This is an amazing opportunity to try and break the 10 pound mark on some huge fish.  As March moves on and river levels rise with spring flows the power boat fishing on the river becomes the hottest bite around.  This is a fantastic fishery and its all catch and release with no bait through the Saturday of memorial day weekend.  The river fishery at American Falls is our bread and butter, and we would love the opportunity to show you why we love this place so much.  

Along with the Snake River at American Falls March also means its time to chase trophy rainbows on American Falls reservoir.  Last year Brett broke the catch and release state record with a 31.5 inch rainbow caught of the reservoir.  While this is a great fish its not even considered a monster on this system.  The huge Rainbows, Browns, and Rainbow/ Cutthroat Hybrids that prowl this huge reservoir are breathtaking, and we have the inside knowledge to put you on these amazing fish.  Along with awesome trophy opportunity we can also target the plentiful 18-24 inch rainbows that are amazing table fare.  the trout limit on the reservoir is 6 trout, although we only advocate harvesting rainbows and hybrids, as the natural reproducing browns and cutthroat are a true gems worth retuning to the river.   

Finally how can we forget the fantastic Crappie fishing at CJ Strike. In recent days the crappie are starting to break out of their huge winter schools and are now moving around much more. As of yesterday they are no yet on the banks in the spawning areas, but it might only be a matter of a week or so before we start casting to large schools of crappie. Nothing is more fun for the entire family than a day spent loading up on these tasty fish. Not only are they an absolute blast to catch, but they are also one of the best tasting fresh water fish around.