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Idaho · Fishing
Bruneau sits in a stretch of high desert canyon country in southwest Idaho, and the fishing around it leans heavily toward still water. The four lakes in and around the area — C.J.
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Bruneau sits in a stretch of high desert canyon country in southwest Idaho, and the fishing around it leans heavily toward still water. The four lakes in and around the area — C.J. Strike Reservoir, Grasmere Reservoir, Cove Arm Lake, and Crane Falls Lake — are all lake fisheries, which shapes what kind of trip you should plan. C.J. Strike is the largest and most accessible of the bunch, a reservoir on the Snake River known for producing warmwater species alongside trout. Grasmere Reservoir is a more remote option that sees less pressure, sitting out in the Owyhee high desert where you're as likely to spot pronghorn as another angler. Cove Arm Lake and Crane Falls Lake round out the options and tend to attract anglers looking for a quieter experience away from the boat ramps. None of these are technical fly-fishing destinations — this is mostly a spinning rod and bait crowd, with bank fishing viable at most spots. If you're driving out from Boise or Twin Falls, C.J. Strike makes the most sense as a base, with the other three worth adding if you have extra days and don't mind rougher access roads.
C.J. Strike Reservoir is known for smallmouth bass, crappie, perch, and rainbow trout. The other lakes in the area — Grasmere Reservoir, Cove Arm Lake, and Crane Falls Lake — are smaller impoundments that typically hold trout, though species composition can vary by season and stocking activity. Check Idaho Fish and Game's stocking reports before your trip to know what's been put in recently.
Bank fishing is workable at all four lakes, though C.J. Strike Reservoir is large enough that a boat or kayak opens up significantly more water. Grasmere Reservoir and the smaller lakes are compact enough that you can cover productive water from shore without much trouble. If you're bringing a motorized boat to C.J. Strike, confirm current ramp conditions with Idaho Fish and Game, as water levels on reservoirs in this region can fluctuate.
Swan Falls Picnic Area
~1h 9m drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Halverson Bar/Lake
~1h 20m drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
C. J. Strike Reservoir
~12 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Crane Falls Lake
~20 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Cove Arm Lake
~21 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Whites Reservoir
~48 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Grasmere Reservoir
~53 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Dry Creek Reservoir
~54 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Sewell Reservoir
~58 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Pioneer Reservoir
~1h 13m drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Henry Lake
~1h 18m drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Spring and early summer are generally the most productive, particularly April through June, when water temperatures are rising and fish are actively feeding near the surface and in shallower areas. Summer heat in the Bruneau desert can push fish deeper by July and August, making early morning and evening the most worthwhile windows. Fall fishing picks back up as temperatures drop, especially for trout.
Grasmere Reservoir is out in the Owyhee desert and requires driving on unpaved roads that can get rough or muddy after rain. A high-clearance vehicle is a practical choice, and a 4WD rig gives you more options. Cove Arm Lake and Crane Falls Lake are similarly off the main highway, so check road conditions locally before heading out, especially in early spring.
A medium-action spinning rod in the 6 to 7 foot range covers most situations across all four lakes. For trout, PowerBait, small spinners, and nightcrawlers are reliable producers. If you're targeting bass at C.J. Strike, soft plastics and small crankbaits work well along rocky structure. Bring a valid Idaho fishing license and check the current regulations booklet for any lake-specific rules, since reservoir regulations can differ from general statewide rules.
