Wintertime Activities Guide: Ice Fishing Near Rexburg

There are so many reasons to live in Rexburg or one of our surrounding towns! Rexburg offers a prime location for winter recreation, and ice fishing is one of the area’s most popular cold-weather activities. With a variety of nearby lakes that freeze each year, avid anglers can enjoy the thrill of ice fishing all winter long. Whether you already live in Rexburg, Saint Anthony, or one of the other surrounding towns or are looking to move here, this guide will help you make the most of your ice fishing experience in the Rexburg area. 

When:

Ice fishing in the Rexburg area typically begins in mid-to-late November, depending on weather conditions, and can last into April on some lakes. The best time for ice fishing is often right after first ice when  fish are most active but good days can be had throughout the season. Always check ice conditions and ensure the ice is thick enough (at least 3-4 inches for walking, 8-12 inches for snowmobiles or ATVs) before heading out.

Where to Go:

As an avid fisherman in the Rexburg area, here are 7 great ice fishing spots within two hours of Rexburg that I often frequent:

1. Henry’s Lake (1 hour north of Rexburg)

   • Henry’s Lake is a top-tier destination for anglers seeking trophy-sized cutthroat, brook, and cut-bow trout. This large, high-altitude lake freezes early in the season, usually by mid to late November, and offers fantastic ice fishing throughout the winter. Being one of the first lakes to freeze enough to safely fish, Henry’s lake receives its fair share of fishing pressure. Catch rates are typically highest right after first ice and for the brave souls that venture out earliest, they will experience some of the most fast paced ice fishing of the entire season.

2. Island Park Reservoir (45 minutes northeast of Rexburg)

   • A scenic, reservoir located up on the Island Park Caldera just 15 minutes south of Henry’s Lake. It’s a quieter option compared to  Henry’s, offering a peaceful fishing experience and good results, especially early in the season. Island Park Reservoir has much deeper water in spots and as a result finding the right depth to fish is key. Targeting points, humps, the dam, or other structure can be especially effective. Angler’s can expect to catch rainbow trout, brook trout, and less frequently kokanee salmon.

3. Ririe (Blacktail) Reservoir (30 minutes east of Rexburg)

   • Ririe Reservoir is home to a variety of species, including rainbow trout, brown trout, yellow perch, brook trout, kokanee salmon, and a few other species. It’s a well-known local favorite for ice fishing, with plenty of shoreline to explore and lots of fish to target.

4. Palisades Reservoir:(1 hour southeast of Rexburg)

   • A large, reservoir with rainbow, cutthroat, brown trout, and lake trout. Palisades Ice conditions vary and typically does not have safe to fish conditions until the end of December or even early January as a result of its size and its status as an irrigation storage reservoir. Due to quickly rising reservoir levels during the winter, there is typically a layer of wet slush on top of the ice making waterproof boots a must have when fishing Palisades Reservoir. Popular locations for lake trout include by the dam while anglers targeting cutthroat, brown trout, and Kokanee frequent the Big Elk Creek area of the lake.

5. American Falls Reservoir (1.5 hours south of Rexburg)

   • A large, popular fishing spot offering a wide variety of fish, including trout, perch, and bass. American Falls is a great destination for anglers looking to catch a mix of species and enjoy a day out on the ice. Sitting lower in elevation, American Falls freezes later in the season than some of the other options.

6. Hebgen Lake (2 hours northeast of Rexburg, near West Yellowstone)

   • Known for its stunning views and great fishing, Hebgen Lake is a bit farther out but well worth the drive. It’s especially renowned for large brown trout and can provide excellent fishing conditions well into the late winter months.

7. Jim Moores Gravel Pond (30 minutes southwest of Rexburg)

   • Jim Moores Gravel Pond is a great location to take younger kids. Fishing is primarily for small yellow perch and kids can often catch 50+ of these smaller sized perch in a given day.

Equipment Needed:

When heading out for a day of ice fishing, being properly prepared is key. Here’s a checklist of essential gear to bring:

1. Ice Auger – A manual or power auger will help you drill holes in the ice. For thicker ice, a power auger is recommended for quicker access to the water. A hand powered auger can be had for approximately $60

2. Ice Fishing Rod and Reel – A shorter rod designed for ice fishing is ideal. These rods are lightweight and sensitive enough to detect bites in cold water. 

3. Ice Fishing Tackle – Small jigs, spoons, and soft plastics work well for attracting fish. Bright, flashy lures or glow-in-the-dark options are often preferred in low-light conditions.

4. Ice Shelter (optional) – A portable ice shelter or insulated tent can offer protection from the cold and wind, making your fishing experience much more comfortable.

5. Warm Clothing – Dress in layers, including waterproof outer layers. Insulated boots, thick gloves, and a warm hat are essential for staying comfortable while on the ice.

6. Fish Finder (optional) – A portable sonar fish finder can be a game-changer, helping you locate fish beneath the ice with ease. Fish finder’s are especially beneficial when fishing deeper lakes like Island Park Reservoir or Palisades Reservoir.

7. Bucket or Cooler – A bucket serves as both a seat and a place to store any fish you catch. A cooler can also help keep your catch fresh.

What to Use:

Choosing the right bait and tackle can make all the difference. Here’s what to use to boost your chances of success:

• Live Bait: Worms, minnows, and wax worms are excellent for attracting fish under the ice. Live bait moves naturally and can entice fish to bite.

• Artificial Lures: Small jigs, spoons, and soft plastics work well in colder water. Bright colors (like red or orange) or glow-in-the-dark options

  
  
  
  

  are often most effective for attracting fish in low-light conditions.

• Fishing Line: I recommend lighter line like 4 pound monofilament of fluorocarbon for most species of trout and slightly heavier line when targeting species like lake trout which can attain greater size. For these applications an 8 pound braided line can be especially effective.

How to Be Successful and Find Fish:

Finding fish and catching them requires patience and strategy. Here are some tips to increase your success:

1. Do Your Research:

   • Check local ice fishing reports for up-to-date conditions. Some lakes have regular fishing reports or social media groups where locals share info on ice conditions and fish activity. Below are some of the groups that I personally am a member of to stay up to date on fishing conditions.

   • Henry’s Lake, Idaho Fishing: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/14w2sJcXLh/

   • Idaho Ice Fishing Reports: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1MA9ydxKiz/

2. Scout for Fish Habitats:

   • Fish tend to congregate in areas with drop-offs, submerged structures, and shallow bays. Focus your efforts on these types of areas for the best chance of success.

3. Be Patient and Move Often:

   • If you’re not catching anything after an hour or two, consider moving to another hole. Drilling multiple holes in different locations can help you locate fish more quickly.

4. Try Different Jigging Techniques:

   • Experiment with various jigging styles—slow, subtle movements or faster, more aggressive jigs. The key is to trigger a fish’s predatory instincts.

5. Time Your Trip:

   • Fish are usually most active early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Plan to be on the ice during these peak times for the best chances of catching fish.

6. Safety First:

   • Always check ice thickness before heading out, and follow safety guidelines. It’s recommended to ice fish with a buddy, especially early in the season when ice thickness can vary.

7. Know Your Fish:

   • Learn the habits of the species you're targeting. For example, kokanees prefer deeper water, while perch often congregate near the bottom. Knowing where to find your target species increases your odds of success.

Final Thoughts: Ice fishing around Rexburg is an incredible winter activity, offering some of the best fishing opportunities in the region. Whether you're on the quiet waters of Island Park Reservoir or trying your luck for trophy trout at Henry's Lake, there’s something for everyone. Bundle up, pack your gear, and enjoy the thrill of ice fishing in the beautiful Idaho winter!

If you need more specific tips about fishing in any of these locations or want to learn about more great reasons to live in Rexburg, feel free to ask! Good luck out there.