The Courier
NEWS
News from the Heart of Idaho Camas • Lincoln • Gooding
December 2, 2020
Vol 44 Num 49
Top Reasons to Try Highway 46 Detour North of Buhl Ice Fishing this Winter
by Brian Pearson Conservation Public Information Specialist If you haven't tried ice fishing in Idaho yet, you're missing out on a winter activity that is not only fun and inexpensive, it's a great way to catch lots of tasty fish. Ice fishing starts in the fall in some of Idaho's chilliest locations, but it's usually not until December or January that the ice is thick enough to fish in most parts of the state. Three to four inches of solid ice is the minimum to support a person, and thicker ice is needed for groups. Because Idaho is so diverse geographically, when ice fishing starts, as well as how long it lasts, varies by location. Conditions can also change quickly, so use good judgment before heading out on the ice, and remember you’re responsible for your own safety. Here are the top reasons why you should go ice fishing: Ice fishing is a good reason to get outside during winter Winter can give us all a nasty case of cabin fever, and that might be particularly true for 2020. Unlike many other activities that make you wait until spring, you can keep fishing during winter. A day on the ice is not just another fishing trip, it’s a whole different fishing experience, and it's a great way to get out, recreate responsibly and enjoy some socially distanced fun. It’s surprisingly beginner friendly Ice fishing may seem specialized, and part of it is because it’s the only type of fishing that requires an ice auger. But aside from that, nearly any fishing gear will work. You can also build your own ice fishing rods, or a batch of them, for a reasonable price. If you decide to buy your gear, an ice fishing rod/reel combo is inexpensive, and honestly, a lot of fun to fish with because even a modest-sized fish feels big. After that, all you need is a hook, weight and bait. You can make it as simple or as sophisticated as you want.
Ice fishing can be a combination of fishing and tailgating The fishing part is always fun, but you can add more fun with the tailgating part. Bring a camping stove or grill, some food, your favorite beverages (hot or cold), lawn chairs, heater, etc. The only challenge is getting it out on the ice, and an inexpensive kids’ plastic toboggan can haul a surprising amount of gear. If you have a snowmobile or ATV, there are trailers and sleds that are great for hauling cargo. You can take the whole family along There’s no shortage of space on a frozen lake when there’s adequate ice thickness. That’s not always the case when you’re trying squeeze people into... continued on page 7...
Highway 46 from Wendell to Buhl is an important route for trucks and other travelers because it crosses the Snake River. While multiple projects have made it safer, work began this week on the highway between 4300 and 4400 just north of Buhl. “This area currently has an open ditch with a steep slope,” ITD Foreman Phil Etchart said. “Adding a culvert will allow us to build out the shoulder which will help improve the safety of motorists by providing a buffer between the roadway and side vegetation.” Adding material to shoulders also improves drainage and helps prevent moisture from seeping under the roadway and causing damage during freezing temperatures. The placement of the culvert is expected to take about one week, during which time traffic will be detoured east to 1600 East. In addition to the culvert work, maintenance crews will also add material to the shoulder of the highway. The detour will be in place for through traffic during working hours - 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Signs will be in place to direct drivers through the detour. Motorists are encouraged to slow down and watch for flaggers and equipment in the area.
New Films from Idaho PTV
(Nov. 25, 2020) – Two new films from Idaho Public Television's original productions Outdoor Idaho and Idaho Experience journey to all nine of Idaho's 12,000-foot mountain peaks and explore moments from Gem State history. The films air Sunday, Dec. 6, as part of the final night of IdahoPTV's fall on-air fundraiser, DecemberFest. "Idaho's 12ers" on Outdoor Idaho Some seek thrills, some seek records, some push themselves to the edge of physical and mental endurance. But for most Idaho climbers, standing on the top of Idaho's tallest mountains is reward enough. For the DecemberFest special Idaho's 12ers (Sunday, Dec. 6, at 7 PM), the Outdoor Idaho production crew spent time on all nine of the Gem State's 12,000-foot peaks (and a few 11,000-footers) with 44 intrepid climbers of a variety of ages and experience levels — Idaho natives and newcomers, experts and novices, men and women. continued on page 6...