Idaho Fish Report

Tiger trout and rainbow trout were stocked in Birch Creek Reservoir again in 2025. If you’re fishing for tiger trout, use a fish finder to locate structures or rock outcroppings in water 15–30 feet. Tiger trout remain active under the ice. Tipping small white, brown or yellow jigs (or jigging raps with waxworms or mealworms), and then actively jigging the lure, should do the trick. For rainbow trout, fish in 10–30 feet of water with small ice flies, jigs or spoons tipped with nightcrawlers or mealworms. Try combinations of active jigging, mixed with dead stick methods, to attract and entice rainbows to strike. After the ice first forms, early season and late season are generally the best times to catch fish through the ice at Birch Creek.

Access is extremely limited during the winter months, especially after large snowstorms, as there is no road maintenance on Birch Creek Road leading up to the base of the reservoir. Anglers are encouraged to use caution, be prepared for poor road conditions and review the Utah State Parks ice safety guide before heading out this season!