Chesterfield Ice Report

Idaho Fishing Forum Idaho Fishing General
1

The Good:
I fished what most would think as the worst spot (off main boat dock) and came home with two dandies (~ 22").

The Bad:
The road in was marginal.

The Ugly:
The ice was so thin that I had to employ my most conservative measures since I was the only one there. This included running a rope from the dock out to my furthest hole, then from the auger while seated in a hole to my furthest exploratory point. I estimate the ice thickness at 2.5" although it was clear, good and did not break even at the edges.
The ice was insulated so please be careful…

I will try to post a photo from my cell phone but may not be reduced in size since I can’t remember the secret…

2

I’m gonna have to find some ice to fish through here in Salmon. I have been so concentrated on Steelhead since I moved here I have not even looked for any lakes. Now the river is so full of slush ice I can not fish and have nothing to do. I am going to have to do some exploring now I guess.

3

Thanks for the report man; I hope to be there next Saturday; I will hope for an additional 1.5 inches. Sounds like you paid your dues for those nice fish.

Best,

OvidCreek

4

Fished it friday and thought your report was dead on for the road and ice conditions. I have fish Chesterfield first ice for four year now, and this was by far the slowest. The last three years I caught well over twenty fish each time. this was slow but made up with quality.

5

Steelfan,

I can’t think of anything up there short of a Montana license and Clark Canyon.

FR

6

SteelFan Mackay Res. Is a lot closer and you don’t need a Montana licence . I fish it several times a year . I live in Blackfoot and it’s around 100 miles from my place . It has Rainbows , Kokanee , and a few Brookies . Curt G. P.S. there is a small place near Salmon called Williams Lake you might want to check into also .

7

There is a lake right up above Salmon. The ice gets so thick I’ve seen guys drive their trucks out on it and fish all winter. Nice trout up there as well!

8

Didn’t think about Mackey… And will definitely have to look into Williams Lake as well.

9

Whos all headed up this weekend? I’m thinking about it. Anyone been up lately?

10

I was going to try to make the drive up on Saturday, but I also would like to find out how the ice conditions are before I make the 2.5 hour drive. Let me know if you hear anything and I will do the same.

11

Three to five inches of ice as of Tuesday. Fourwheel drive is a must as the road has not been plowed and is wind drifted.

12

Thanks for the update. Not going to make it this weekend but maybe next. Hope people are getting the big ones!

13

As of right now, my plan is to be there saturday. I will post a report as to how the fishing goes. Hope it is like last year!

14

Just as a heads up-- we are getting some warming weather going on. It was melting pretty good at my house today. Friday is supposed to be warmer and rain in the afternoon on most everything that is under 6500 ft in elevation.

As of 5:30 Bancroft is 37 degrees and Pole Canyon, which is higher than Chesterfield is 34 degrees.
Here is a current weather condition map. Zoom in on the Chesterfield area.

http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/MappingFramework/ObservationsMap.php?wfo=pih&lat=44&lon=-112.5&zoom=7

Chesterfield is only about 150 ft higher in elevation than where I am at. Be careful as the ice could be very thin and weak.

15

I think Williams Lake will surprise you!

16

Thx a lot. That was very nice of you. This may have to wait another week or so :frowning:

17

I haven’t actually been over to Chesterfield to see, but I am afraid that with two warm days that thin ice may get really thin!

If the temp gets back down and stays there it should get good ice.

If anyone goes and takes a look tomorrow or this weekend maybe they will report.

18

Yeah, it may loose some strength then. Just checked the weather and looks warm. [:(]

19

Ice is still good. There is some slush on top of the ice but is still 4 inches. Watched a group of five walk across to the east side with no problem. Snowed lightly most of the day. Now for the fishing report. In the morning it was smoking hot. Landed five before I could get thing set up. It seem around 12:30 another burst of action. It seems it was a quantity not quality today.

20

Sweet. Thx. Do you still need 4-wheel drive to get there. My friend with a truck just bailed out. I’m stuck with my car now if I want to go up and meet up with some BFT’ers. If anyone wants to meet up early somewhere in town or something, I’m up for meeting up with some new buddies :slight_smile:

Koji