Ice fishing can give people a different perspective of fishing and a break from the ski lines. Located 36 miles south of Sun Valley and straddling the Blaine and Camas County lines, Magic Reservoir, fed by the Big Wood River, sprawls over 3,740 acres. The expansive shorelines, covered with sagebrush and antelope bitterroot, have only been semi-developed since the Magic Dam was installed in 1910.
Recreators have returned time and time again to this area where the mountains meet the high desert to enjoy some of Southern Idaho’s best camping, boating, hunting and fishing. Anglers can be seen casting from the shore and venturing out in small boats or even inflatable tubes to access the deeper waters during the warmer months.
When winter arrives and the reservoir freezes over, the most intrepid amongst us will stride out onto the ice, bundled head to toe, cut out a chunk of ice and try to hook a decent-sized trout or two. Magic Reservoir is open year-round and may be the place to discover a new hobby or family tradition this winter.
Ice fishing has existed as a survival skill for 2,000 years, originating from pretty much anywhere there was ice. Before rods and reels, people used spears and bait made from shiny materials like ivory. Today, ice fishing is usually more of a recreational activity than a survival skill, and believe it or not, it can be quite cozy.
First, safety. Typically speaking, the ice must be at least three to four inches thick to support a single person. A minimum of 12 inches of thickness is mandatory to drive an ATV or snow machine on the ice. Driving cars or trucks on the ice is never safe. Ice conditions can change from day to day. Drill several holes as you go, using a manual or mechanized auger to measure thickness. Be aware that places near inlets, outlets and structures like docks can create weak ice. Never assume that conditions are safe based on the time of year.
Every winter season is different. During the 2023/24 winter, a woman driving a snowmobile only 50 yards from shore on Magic Reservoir fell through the ice. Thankfully, she was saved, but she was hospitalized for hypothermia, according to a report by the Idaho Mountain Express.
For the most part, ice-fishing is a safe, relatively easy, and inexpensive experience, depending on how high-tech the gear is. As mentioned before, a mandatory piece of equipment is an ice auger, which is essentially a massive drill. A manual auger can be purchased for less than $100, but for more money and less elbow grease, there are gas and electric-powered options.
Rods used in ice fishing are shorter and lighter than standard rods, between 24 and 36 inches, to fit and manage tight spaces like a warming hut, skid house or tent. Other basic equipment includes a seat to keep your rear off the ice and a slotted ladle or “slush spoon’ to keep the holes free of ice. This type of ice fishing is known as visual fishing rules or VFR. Anglers commonly use IFR or instrumental fishing rules, meaning they use live scopes or fish finders.
These tools use sound waves to determine water depth and, of course, to find the fish. To satisfy curiosity or experience a great day outside without much hassle, Sun Valley visitors and residents can now hire a guide to take them out on the ice. Last winter,
Sun Valley Outfitters, whose fly shop is in downtown Ketchum, became the Valley’s only licensed ice-fishing outfitter on the Magic Reservoir. Mark Belanger has been a fishing and big-game hunting guide in the area for 10 years. Mark grew up fishing in Northern Minnesota, so when it comes to ice fishing, he knows what he’s talking about.
“Ice fishing can be a good break from skiing. It’s family-oriented, relaxing, chill and fun,” Mark said, “People who are new to ice fishing that I take out want to go back over and over again.”
Sun Valley Outfitters will provide all the gear and answer any questions to help prepare their clients for a comfortable day out.
According to the experts, the best time of winter to get out on the ice can vary, but usually, the ice gets thick enough to drag a sled out just before Christmastime. When the ice thickness reaches a foot or more (later in the winter), a snowmobile could potentially haul out a grill, a cooler and a thermos of hot chocolate (or Hot Toddies).
So, as temperatures drop and the ice thickens, why not take a break from the slopes and enjoy a unique winter pastime that connects with nature in a new way? It may become an avenue that introduces you to a brand-new community. You may even start a tradition that will be passed down in your family for Winters to come.