Cascade Reservoir

Cascade Reservoir, located on Highway 55, between Donnelly and Cascade offers anglers great fishing and facilities as well. Cascade is a large reservoir, nearly 30,000 acres. Known for it's consistent fisheries and convenient location, only 70 miles north of Boise, it is one of the most popular and heavily used fisheries in the state. At one time, Cascade was rated the #1 fishery in the State.

Cascade Reservoir was developed by the Bureau of Reclamation in the late 1940's to store water for irrigation. Recreational development adjacent to the lake makes Cascade a great destination for the whole family for a day or the weekend. Shoreline access is excellent around the entire reservoir, especially near camping and picnicking area. Numerous docks and ramps are available for boater access.

Cascade offers a good diversity of angling opportunity. Fish species range from rainbow trout and coho salmon, with a few kokanee, to the warm water species of smallmouth bass, bullhead catfish, channel catfish, crappie, and especially perch.

Perch
Perch are considered the "bread and butter" fish of Cascade Reservoir. They are easily caught and range in size from 8" to 11". Occasionally a perch over 14" is caught. Perch are caught year around still fishing with worms and cutbait.

Trout
Also popular on Cascade is trolling for the big trout and coho salmon. Trolling with "pop-gear" such as "Ford fenders" trailing a roostertail lure is popular during the summer months. During the spring, anglers fishing from shore during the "iceout" can pick up large spawners using Mepps Spinners and Little Cleo's. Later on, wooly worms and flies often attract "the big one's." Many anglers use a "cascade sandwich", a snelled hook baited with a nightcrawler and a miniature marshmallow.

Smallmouth Bass
Though smallmouth bass are not yet a major fishery on Cascade, they provide great excitement when found. Look for broken rocks, docks or some type of cover. Bass must be actively fished, so cast plugs, jigs, plastic worms, or grubs into cover and retrieve. The Crown Point area, among other areas are good for bass.

Coho
Coho are an excellent eating fish that has become extremely popular with anglers. They were initially stocked in the early 1970's to offset reduced kokanee populations. Today, both coho and kokanee are caught. They are very difficult to tell apart.

Ice Fishing
One of the most popular fisheries on Cascade is the winter ice fishing season. Perch are schooling fish so be ready for some fast "hot" action once you find them. Short rods, "tip-ups," an ice auger, a scoop, a bucket, and warm clothes and you are ready to go. Be sure to check the ice before venturing out. Tackle will vary but some of the most popular are painted jigheads, Swedish pimples, and small silver flat-fish baited with maggots, or pieces of perch. Worms are always an excellent standby.