Ice fishing around the corner
(Courtesy photo) Yellow perch, common to most lakes in North Idaho, are the species most anglers seek when they ice fish.
With a bit of luck and cooperation from Mother Nature, North Idaho anglers will get a chance to slip over the region’s hard water this winter, and angle through holes in the ice.
Given a lengthy drop in mercury that allows local lakes to freeze and provide enough ice — about 4 inches thick — to support an ice fisherman, area anglers have a variety of places to fish.
Avondale Lake in Hayden is among the first lakes in the Coeur d’Alene area to completely freeze over. Avondale holds panfish and is annually stocked with catchable-sized rainbow trout. Parking is near the clubhouse, of the Avondale Golf Course.
Lower Twin Lake has kokanee and both of the Twin Lakes — located between Rathdrum and Spirit Lake — hold a variety of panfish.
Coeur d’Alene Anglers appreciate the nearness of Fernan Lake, which has historically been a go-to ice fishing destination for city residents, partly because it’s located a couple minutes from downtown.
Located just east of Interstate 90, access is from the county boat launch on the west and northeast ends of the lake. Anglers can also access the water from Fernan Lake Road. The lake offers rainbow trout, panfish, bass, and channel catfish.
Cocolalla Lake along U.S. 95 south of Sandpoint is among the Panhandle’s premier winter fisheries. Located about a half hour north of Hayden, Cocalalla offers a variety of trout including brook trout, rainbow, cutthroat and brown trout. It also has healthy populations of yellow perch, bass and channel catfish
Ice fishing requires an auger to drill a hole in the ice, a scoop to remove slush and rod of 24 to 36-inches. Go-to baits include small jigs tipped with maggots or corn.
According to the Farmer’s Almanac, it takes 3 inches of ice to hold a single person and 4 inches for a group walking in single file. A vehicle requires about 10 inches. When it comes to ice, keep in mind that precaution is key.