Who's Heading To Cascade Lake Idaho?

[Brandonkop]

I know more and more are heading south every year. If you're one of them thought you might enjoy this.

Found this footage from last season, decided to put it together since there were a few good moments and nice hook ups on camera despite the wind. Perch almost pulled a rod down hole, two jumbos at once on the jaw jacker, and some slops as usual.

https://youtu.be/CCImbHg14iY

[MooseRiverTrapper]

I’m headed down. How much pressure can this lake handle? Still no limit on perch?

[Brandonkop]

I’m headed down. How much pressure can this lake handle? Still no limit on perch?

You'll see it has hardly any pressure. It has nothing to do with pressure, they think most of the fish are still just going to die of old age. It's a very large body of water. Most people who go have very low catch rates so not having a limit doesnt matter. Most people cant catch more than a handful anyways. Test netting doesnt look promising though. From about 8 to 12 inches there was basically very few fish in the nets. So the big perch are wiping out their offspring. Get out there while it lasts. 2 to 3 more years of jumbos in decent numbers is my estimate. Might go a bit longer with less fish.

[MooseRiverTrapper]

You'll see it has hardly any pressure. It has nothing to do with pressure, they think most of the fish are still just going to die of old age. It's a very large body of water. Most people who go have very low catch rates so not having a limit doesnt matter. Most people cant catch more than a handful anyways. Test netting doesnt look promising though. From about 8 to 12 inches there was basically very few fish in the nets. So the big perch are wiping out their offspring. Get out there while it lasts. 2 to 3 more years of jumbos in decent numbers is my estimate. Might go a bit longer with less fish.

Interesting! How many can you bring back?

[Brandonkop]

Interesting! How many can you bring back?If you read the boarder crossing info it says 10 per person. But I know people go across with more than that. Just depends what you say, what they ask and how much of a stickler you got. I always have my wife with me and my two kids and I usually don't like bringing so many back. Now I have another babe so 5 of us, but Too much to clean. Usually around 20. I think the most I did was 28.

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[57charlie]

Idaho Fish & Game posted this article on Cascade Lake Dec 19, 2018:

https://idfg.idaho.gov/press/lake-cascade-should-continue-produce-good-perch-fishing-jumbos-may-decline?fbclid=IwAR0FSsB3EeKTr1pD2m8OvPA8G5CyaDh7H w9nnEkmEMCFGBrEdrF9UFSlE8k

[coyoteman]

Very good info--I was wondering what the aprox distance--driveing time. If winter time trailer parking close to lake.

[Brandonkop]

Very good info--I was wondering what the aprox distance--driveing time. If winter time trailer parking close to lake.

Distance and drive time depends on your starting point. Use Google maps and then you'll know. You can park right at the ramps they keep them cleared. Have to pay 5 bucks a day honor system.

[slough shark]

Has anyone gone down there in the summertime? I was hoping to get down either this year or next, if so what were you having luck on? I’m used to only catching small little fellas in southern Alberta so I’m not sure how I’d have to change my strategies, I’m assuming the big guys wouldn’t be going for a few maggots or a piece of worm.

[Logan]

Has anyone gone down there in the summertime? I was hoping to get down either this year or next, if so what were you having luck on? I’m used to only catching small little fellas in southern Alberta so I’m not sure how I’d have to change my strategies, I’m assuming the big guys wouldn’t be going for a few maggots or a piece of worm.

We were there last summer, we used some meal worms
And smal minnows of chunk of minnow tail on russian hooks and tungsten jigs absolute smashed the Perch.

[BPman]

I hope to head to Cascade within the next couple of weeks. Driving time south from Spokane apparently is 6 hours ( Google Map) so about 14 hours from Calgary if roads are good.

Question for those who have been there: do we have to have a snowmobile or quad to get around or can we walk from access points? I am assuming from all the videos I have seen that the ice is not safe for a truck.

[Mike_W]

Is catching a jumbo in Cascade really that rewarding?
Not trying to take anything away from anyone but it almost seems like the high fence hunting of the fishing world.

[pikeman06]

If you are a jumbo perch junkie it's a no brainer...don't even have to argue the point. Hey Brandon what's the season down there? Maybe shoulda read a little closer I'm sure the info is there but for a guy like me just the chance to raise the bar with an honest 2 lb perch is worth the drive alone.

[Brandonkop]

I hope to head to Cascade within the next couple of weeks. Driving time south from Spokane apparently is 6 hours ( Google Map) so about 14 hours from Calgary if roads are good.



Question for those who have been there: do we have to have a snowmobile or quad to get around or can we walk from access points? I am assuming from all the videos I have seen that the ice is not safe for a truck.You can always walk, lots of guys do. If you want to access more remote areas you'll need a quad or snow machine. Take your truck out on the ice and youll be swimming.

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[Brandonkop]

Is catching a jumbo in Cascade really that rewarding?
Not trying to take anything away from anyone but it almost seems like the high fence hunting of the fishing world.Hahaha are you serious. High fence hunting is for tame, fed, genetically modified deer. Cascade is a completely wild environment. Why wouldn't anyone feel rewarded after driving 10 to 20 hours to get their. You know it's not an easy lake to fish. Many people who go get skunked or dont end up catching big fish. It's no guarantee, it's still fishing. It's the exact same thing anywhere trophy fish are only found in certain lakes. If you go there and catch one why on earth is it a lesser accomplishment than pulling a 2 pound perch out of wizard lake, cause that's never going to happen.

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[BPman]

Hahaha are you serious. High fence hunting is for tame, fed, genetically modified deer. Cascade is a completely wild environment. Why wouldn't anyone feel rewarded after driving 10 to 20 hours to get their. You know it's not an easy lake to fish. Many people who go get skunked or dont end up catching big fish. It's no guarantee, it's still fishing. It's the exact same thing anywhere trophy fish are only found in certain lakes. If you go there and catch one why on earth is it a lesser accomplishment than pulling a 2 pound perch out of wizard lake, cause that's never going to happen.

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I would drive 14 hours to Cascade for the same reason I recently spent 25 hours in airplanes and airports to catch 10 lb plus bonefish in the Cook Islands. It is never a guarantee but the pay-off for the quest is a trophy unavailable almost any where else. Devil's Lake ND is another option for big perch but the logistcs are more difficult, it seems so Cascade it is. Also, as Brandonkop mentioned, these trophy-producing situations do not last forever so 5 years from now Cascade might be just a memory. I saw this happen with the Bay Of Quinte in Lake Ontario where 15 lb+ walleye were a possibility in the '80's before the zebra muscles moved in and totally disrupted the base of the food chain.

[MooseRiverTrapper]

Is catching a jumbo in Cascade really that rewarding?
Not trying to take anything away from anyone but it almost seems like the high fence hunting of the fishing world.

If your Ukrainian. Yes.

[Mike_W]

Hahaha are you serious. High fence hunting is for tame, fed, genetically modified deer. Cascade is a completely wild environment. Why wouldn't anyone feel rewarded after driving 10 to 20 hours to get their. You know it's not an easy lake to fish. Many people who go get skunked or dont end up catching big fish. It's no guarantee, it's still fishing. It's the exact same thing anywhere trophy fish are only found in certain lakes. If you go there and catch one why on earth is it a lesser accomplishment than pulling a 2 pound perch out of wizard lake, cause that's never going to happen.

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Again its just a question but almost everyone that I have seen go, lands at least one over 14+ inches. A task that is a lot harder to accomplish in Alberta it would seem.

How many trips did it take you to land a 14+ inch perch in Cascade several?
Your video makes it look easy.?

Not ruling it out for myself but a honest question.

Cheers,
Mike

[Brandonkop]

Again its just a question but almost everyone that I have seen go, lands at least one over 14+ inches. A task that is a lot harder to accomplish in Alberta it would seem.

How many trips did it take you to land a 14+ inch perch in Cascade several?
Your video makes it look easy.?

Not ruling it out for myself but a honest question.

Cheers,
Mike

I guess it's all a matter of personal opinion then.

There are many places to fish besides Alberta. If you don't appreciate that it's up to you. I like different experiences and Cascade is one of them.

I don't go there to catch 14 inch perch though. We go to catch a perch that is truly over 2 pounds. My goal is to catch a perch over 16 inches. Biggest so far was 15 3/4" 2 1/4 pounds. In three years there, about 10 days on the ice I've only got a couple over 2 pounds and quite a few 1 pound 15 ounce. I think my brother got three over 2 pounds last year.

Some of my videos make it seem easy to catch fish for all kinds of fishing. That's not always a fair representation of a fishery. Every day we went back to the parking lot people were asking how fishing was and when we told them how we did they looked at us baffled. Then the barrage of questions depth, bait, lure, location all stating they were skunked.

It's a bucket list trip, can't wait to get back every time I leave.

[lund17]

I have always enjoyed your videos and have re-watch a few of them today from Cascade Lake. I got a couple of questions.

I noticed your location from the shoreline. You are a ways out, is the water deep that far out or is it shallow a long ways out before you hit a drop off?

Do you always fish from the town of Cascade or have you tried from further north up the lake? In the past you mention that by the end of February the ice is done and you can not get on the lake. Is that correct?

[Mister Bee]

If your Ukrainian. Yes.

haha!!

[Brandonkop]

I have always enjoyed your videos and have re-watch a few of them today from Cascade Lake. I got a couple of questions.

I noticed your location from the shoreline. You are a ways out, is the water deep that far out or is it shallow a long ways out before you hit a drop off?

Do you always fish from the town of Cascade or have you tried from further north up the lake? In the past you mention that by the end of February the ice is done and you can not get on the lake. Is that correct?

Yeah the best way to understand the lake is to go to this link and take a look at the lay of the land. https://webapp.navionics.com/?lang=en#boating@9&key=sakoGxancU

We fish the shallower flats like 10-12 feet and sometimes the ridges in the 20 to 30 foot range. Sometimes you are several hundred yards from shore and sometimes 2 miles from shore.

Ice is highly variable and last year they had fishable ice into April and some years it is off in February. I think this year it will last into March at least. I am sure hoping since I'd like to make it down later this year than I usually go.

But at any time of the winter you can fall through since the lake is on a highly geothermal area and warm water is pouring into the lake all the time.

I have never left from Cascade. We usually get on the lake at Poison Creek which is the north west launch.

Best of luck if you head out.

[abhunter8]

My new wife and I have this trip on our Bucket list and are hoping to go down in February this year. We have heard the stories of many skunked trips there from individuals and locals. We were planning on taking the quad down, if the snow and slush doesn't get too bad on the lake, sounds like the quad is not a good idea with conditions right now. I have also heard that you need to get a sticker from Idaho registries to be able to use a quad or snowmobile from out of state?

[Brandonkop]

My new wife and I have this trip on our Bucket list and are hoping to go down in February this year. We have heard the stories of many skunked trips there from individuals and locals. We were planning on taking the quad down, if the snow and slush doesn't get too bad on the lake, sounds like the quad is not a good idea with conditions right now. I have also heard that you need to get a sticker from Idaho registries to be able to use a quad or snowmobile from out of state?

I don't know, we have never done that. In all honesty last year my brother had bought is sled in Canada and lives in Montana and the dealer forgot one of the papers so it wasn't even registered or licensed or stickered when we used it. I've never seen law enforcement on the lake. Just say I didn't know you couldn't do that and see how it goes, play the dumb Canuck Mike from Canmore.

It all froze up already. The ice down there is always in a huge state of flux from one day to the next.

[The Spruce]

If you read the boarder crossing info it says 10 per person. But I know people go across with more than that. Just depends what you say, what they ask and how much of a stickler you got. I always have my wife with me and my two kids and I usually don't like bringing so many back. Now I have another babe so 5 of us, but Too much to clean. Usually around 20. I think the most I did was 28.

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Importation allows for 42lbs of fish for consumption.
I just crossed with 20lbs. When asked what I had for fish I said 20lbs, and away I went.

Like you stated, this fishery won't last, age class is all wrong. I say it goes 5 more years though do to lake's size and lack of pressure. Only perch I have ever seen with fat in their guts.

Spruce

[The Spruce]

My new wife and I have this trip on our Bucket list and are hoping to go down in February this year. We have heard the stories of many skunked trips there from individuals and locals. We were planning on taking the quad down, if the snow and slush doesn't get too bad on the lake, sounds like the quad is not a good idea with conditions right now. I have also heard that you need to get a sticker from Idaho registries to be able to use a quad or snowmobile from out of state?

You don't need a sticker. Don't bring a quad, or You will most likely be walking. Sled or feet are 100%. Their was 12" of slush last week, I got stuck in my sled...

Spruce

[sco22]

Is there any place where you could set up a winter trailer or wall tent?

[BPman]

There seems to be lots of campgrounds at various places along the lake shore and in town, according to the maps.

[Brandonkop]

There seems to be lots of campgrounds at various places along the lake shore and in town, according to the maps.


They're all closed for winter and the parking lots say no overnight camping. As far as I know I haven't seen anyone camping.

[BPman]

My buddy and I are headed out Sunday for a week. Ice conditions are much improved, apparently. Weather forecast is excellent: not too cold or windy. Will report back in a week...

[fordtruckin]

You don't need a sticker. Don't bring a quad, or You will most likely be walking. Sled or feet are 100%. Their was 12" of slush last week, I got stuck in my sled...

Spruce

I don't know, we have never done that. In all honesty last year my brother had bought is sled in Canada and lives in Montana and the dealer forgot one of the papers so it wasn't even registered or licensed or stickered when we used it. I've never seen law enforcement on the lake. Just say I didn't know you couldn't do that and see how it goes, play the dumb Canuck Mike from Canmore.

It all froze up already. The ice down there is always in a huge state of flux from one day to the next.

I'll get on my soap box here and say DON'T BE THAT GUY! Idaho does require non residents operating snowmobiles to have non resident stickers on snowmobiles AND ATV's. If you are a douche and come down and play dumb all you will do is give every other individual coming down from Canada a bad name. PLUS in reality your stealing from everyone else who pays the use fee aka snowmobile pass. You might as well say I should come up to Alberta and shoot some elk and deer and claim I'm just joe blow from Montana and didn't know I couldn't shoot deer and elk in Alberta. Grow up and do things right!

https://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/activities/snowmobiling

https://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/sites/default/files/uploads/Snowmobiling_in_Idaho_2016_2017_small.pdf

https://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/sites/default/files/uploads/documents/Recreation/OHV%20Website/OHV%20Laws,%20Rules%20and%20Requirements_2011.pdf

[Brandonkop]

I'll get on my soap box here and say DON'T BE THAT GUY! Idaho does require non residents operating snowmobiles to have non resident stickers on snowmobiles AND ATV's. If you are a douche and come down and play dumb all you will do is give every other individual coming down from Canada a bad name. PLUS in reality your stealing from everyone else who pays the use fee aka snowmobile pass. You might as well say I should come up to Alberta and shoot some elk and deer and claim I'm just joe blow from Montana and didn't know I couldn't shoot deer and elk in Alberta. Grow up and do things right!



https://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/activities/snowmobiling



https://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/sites/default/files/uploads/Snowmobiling_in_Idaho_2016_2017_small.pdf



https://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/sites/default/files/uploads/documents/Recreation/OHV%20Website/OHV%20Laws,%20Rules%20and%20Requirements_2011.pdfO h man you just ruined it for all of us. So much easier to not know sometimes, haha. I think it's a little different than shooting elk and deer wouldn't you say? We get fishing licenses, that's the resources we are using. Those fees are for using snowmobile parks. Down there they have groomed trails and areas maintained for snowmobilers. Cascade lake is a lake. So I dont see how we are stealing from anyone when we aren't even using the service. I dont own a snowmobile anyways just walk out or hop on someone elses.

Here this is what I read.

Non-Resident snowmobile/snowbike on a designated groomed snowmobile trail or open riding area
These are the requirements for non-resident snowmobiles operating off-highway on a designated groomed snowmobile trail or open riding area. For the purposes of this section snowbikes meet the definition of snowmobile for operation on groomed snowmobile trails.


There you go it doesn't look like you need this sticker for going out on the lake fishing. Unless they classify a lake as an open riding area then I guess you'd need one.



Back into your sport! *Certificate of number dollars collected go back into programs that benefit snowmobilers. *You can designate which Idaho county you want your certificate of number dollars to go. *Each county with a snowmobile program is entitled to 85% of the numbering fees designated for that county. The money may only be used for county snowmobile programs such as maintenance and operation of snowmobile trail groomers, signing of snowmobile trails, plowing parking lots, and maintaining warming shelters. Up to 15% of the state snowmobile account generated each year may be used by the department for administrative costs, such as the cost of the sticker and mailing renewal notices.

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[fordtruckin]

Oh man you just ruined it for all of us. So much easier to not know sometimes, haha. I think it's a little different than shooting elk and deer wouldn't you say? We get fishing licenses, that's the resources we are using. Those fees are for using snowmobile parks. Down there they have groomed trails and areas maintained for snowmobilers. Cascade lake is a lake. So I dont see how we are stealing from anyone when we aren't even using the service. I dont own a snowmobile anyways just walk out or hop on someone elses.

Here this is what I read.

Non-Resident snowmobile/snowbike on a designated groomed snowmobile trail or open riding area
These are the requirements for non-resident snowmobiles operating off-highway on a designated groomed snowmobile trail or open riding area. For the purposes of this section snowbikes meet the definition of snowmobile for operation on groomed snowmobile trails.


There you go it doesn't look like you need this sticker for going out on the lake fishing. Unless they classify a lake as an open riding area then I guess you'd need one.



Back into your sport! *Certificate of number dollars collected go back into programs that benefit snowmobilers. *You can designate which Idaho county you want your certificate of number dollars to go. *Each county with a snowmobile program is entitled to 85% of the numbering fees designated for that county. The money may only be used for county snowmobile programs such as maintenance and operation of snowmobile trail groomers, signing of snowmobile trails, plowing parking lots, and maintaining warming shelters. Up to 15% of the state snowmobile account generated each year may be used by the department for administrative costs, such as the cost of the sticker and mailing renewal notices.

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I’m not going to argue with what you think you know. You missed the part where it says ALL out of state snowmobiles are legally required to purchase a non resident user certificate to be operated in Idaho. Snowmobiles are registered in the US like a car or truck. The non resident sticker is your registration. But by all means keep doing whatever you want and know that yes you are stealing from everyone else that pays into the program when you refuse to pay into it.no different than someone failing to register their car or truck or buy a hunting or fishing license.


Reference Idaho Code 67.7104 Non Resident Snowmobile user certificate required.

https://legislature.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/statutesrules/idstat/Title67/T67CH71.pdf

[Brandonkop]

I’m not going to argue with what you think you know. You missed the part where it says ALL out of state snowmobiles are legally required to purchase a non resident user certificate to be operated in Idaho. Snowmobiles are registered in the US like a car or truck. The non resident sticker is your registration. But by all means keep doing whatever you want and know that yes you are stealing from everyone else that pays into the program when you refuse to pay into it.no different than someone failing to register their car or truck or buy a hunting or fishing license.





Reference Idaho Code 67.7104 Non Resident Snowmobile user certificate required.



https://legislature.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/statutesrules/idstat/Title67/T67CH71.pdfYeah looks like you may be right.

Still seems a little questionable to me because says may be waved where trail maintained by another state. Still has that trail language. An Idaho official could probably clarify it if needed, but I dont have a sled. So unless someone says I have to register my boots I'm good to go! Please no one tell me if I do, ignorance is bliss.

I'll be honest that I've never read rules and regulations of the places I'm traveling to or through before. Is this something you routinely do? Never even occurred to me.

Thanks for keeping us on the straight and narrow law abiding citizens.

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[SNAPFisher]

I suspect it is a pretty hefty fine if you don't. I didn't look it up. But I learned here it is $575 without the proper papers for your skidoo - license and registration (current) required on all crown land. That definitely includes lakes as crown land. I doubt it is much different in Idaho.

[BPman]

My buddy and I are heading out tomorrow for a week at Cascade: weather prognosis is good all week for temperatures and wind as well as ice conditions. Will walk out or maybe rent a snowmobile if absolutely necessary. Will report upon our return.

[sco22]

They're all closed for winter and the parking lots say no overnight camping. As far as I know I haven't seen anyone camping.

Thanks to both of you. Appreciate it. There is always a motel I guess. Thanks again.

[dustinjoels]

Is catching a jumbo in Cascade really that rewarding?
Not trying to take anything away from anyone but it almost seems like the high fence hunting of the fishing world.

This is like saying hunting and shooting something in a zone known to produce nice animals is cheating and not an accomplishment if you get a trophy.

[SNAPFisher]

My buddy and I are heading out tomorrow for a week at Cascade: weather prognosis is good all week for temperatures and wind as well as ice conditions. Will walk out or maybe rent a snowmobile if absolutely necessary. Will report upon our return.

Great idea! Looks like there are a few rental shops near the lake.

[crownb]

Yeah looks like you may be right.

Still seems a little questionable to me because says may be waved where trail maintained by another state. Still has that trail language. An Idaho official could probably clarify it if needed, but I dont have a sled. So unless someone says I have to register my boots I'm good to go! Please no one tell me if I do, ignorance is bliss.

I'll be honest that I've never read rules and regulations of the places I'm traveling to or through before. Is this something you routinely do? Never even occurred to me.

Thanks for keeping us on the straight and narrow law abiding citizens.

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Good answer, I think stealing is a harsh term for you to be called, looks like fishing to me. By the way your videos are super helpful and exciting. We might make the trip next year.

[Mountain Guy]

I’m not going to argue with what you think you know. You missed the part where it says ALL out of state snowmobiles are legally required to purchase a non resident user certificate to be operated in Idaho. Snowmobiles are registered in the US like a car or truck. The non resident sticker is your registration. But by all means keep doing whatever you want and know that yes you are stealing from everyone else that pays into the program when you refuse to pay into it.no different than someone failing to register their car or truck or buy a hunting or fishing license.


Reference Idaho Code 67.7104 Non Resident Snowmobile user certificate required.

https://legislature.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/statutesrules/idstat/Title67/T67CH71.pdf

They are up here too...in case you didn't realize.
Seems your trying to compare this to a boat tag...which is required for obvious reasons relating to contaminating their waters.
Unless they start grooming the lake ..its nothing more than a money grab.

[SNAPFisher]

Here is a good fishing show vid on Cascade:

https://youtu.be/wKdj0MnUsQs

The son guiding seems like a good guy and knows the lake. The two old guys crack me up. You also get kudos for "Carp Spit".... what is not to like about this video :)

[Eagle Trapper]

Great video, great fishing! Cannot wait to head down start of March. Have never been before. And like you praying the ice holds in there!!:happy0180::happy0180:

[BPman]

Just returned Saturday night from 5 days fishing Cascade Lake so I will share some useful info and impressions for those contemplating a trip. The worst roads on the whole 1150 km drive is Hwy #3 through BC. Even with the 65 MPH speed limit in ID it is a solid 14 hour drive from Calgary. We stayed at the Birch Glen Lodge in Cascade so had to drive the 15 miles to Donnelly to get to Poison Creek and the Mountain Meadows Adventure outfitter who rented us a side by side quad and sled to get around on the lake. Nobody drives trucks on the lake even though there was 14" of ice: half of it was frozen slush. We found only a couple of access points where you can walk on in less than half a mile: the Cascade town boat ramp and Poison Creek Park. You should plan on using motor transport to get around. The lake is about 15 miles long and about a mile wide most places.
Tackle Tom's shop in Cascade has all kinds of tackle and live bait - we used only worms and they are available at every gas station anyway. TT also has GPS referenced bathymetric map of the lake for sale...you will need one. He is free with advice on what is happening and what has been working.... a really nice fellow.
Birch Glen Lodge is warm, dry, clean and quiet. Also has a heated room set up for cleaning fish so perfect also for socializing with other anglers.
Fishing success had been poor the week before we arrived and was slow last week..unusual for this time of the winter, apparently. Most years the perch feed on minnows but minnows are scarce this winter so the perch are focussed on grubbing chironomid worms out of the mud bottom and will spit up balls of the tiny red worms when brought out onto the ice. This made them difficult to catch and there were more anglers skunked every day than were successful
We scouted the locale Monday, Caught 9 but released 2 smaller ones Tuesday, were essentially skunked Wednesday and Thursday (but for a few 6" perch) then had our best day Friday when we hooked 15, landed 8 perch and released a trout. The good news was we both caught personal bests perch: mine was 16" and 2 lb 2 oz while my partner's was 15" and 1 lb 14 oz. We also landed several over 14". We caught only one perch in 4 days on a jaw jacker with worm/wire worm even though I tried several different worm/lure combos. All but that one were taken jigging copper or silver Wetaskiwin spoons with a piece of worm to sweeten them up. Nobody we met had ever seen a Wetaskiwin spoon. Ho Ho! The hot depth was 25 - 27' over a mud bottom. Having a sonar is a real asset so you know whether fish are around even though you may not be getting bites.
Cascade is at 4850' above sea level so real winter with a fair amount of snow except on the lake where there was only a couple inches so easy walking or quadding. Temperatures were about -14C at night and -5C daytime except Friday when it got up to about +3C. It rained Friday night and was raining when we departed Saturday morning.
Everyone we met was helpful and friendly so we are already planning a return tip: it is a beautiful area, was just too much fun and the perch taste great!
I hope this info will be useful.

[Pike fisher]

BP man

Thanks for the awesome details.....exactly the kind of info that a first time guy needs to know in order to minimize the 'surprises'. After watching Brandon's videos, my two younger boys have been pestering me for three winters to make the trip down...dying to catch a slob perch, but I didn't want to go without gathering some intel first. I guess now I have no excuses but to gas up the truck and go:thinking-006:

[BPman]

BP man

Thanks for the awesome details.....exactly the kind of info that a first time guy needs to know in order to minimize the 'surprises'. After watching Brandon's videos, my two younger boys have been pestering me for three winters to make the trip down...dying to catch a slob perch, but I didn't want to go without gathering some intel first. I guess now I have no excuses but to gas up the truck and go:thinking-006:

Hold off until late Feb or early March for better action than we had ...

[Jack&7]

Hold off until late Feb or early March for better action than we had ...

Okay...I am in. Anyone else want to put together a group?

[Brandonkop]

Just returned Saturday night from 5 days fishing Cascade Lake so I will share some useful info and impressions for those contemplating a trip. The worst roads on the whole 1150 km drive is Hwy #3 through BC. Even with the 65 MPH speed limit in ID it is a solid 14 hour drive from Calgary. We stayed at the Birch Glen Lodge in Cascade so had to drive the 15 miles to Donnelly to get to Poison Creek and the Mountain Meadows Adventure outfitter who rented us a side by side quad and sled to get around on the lake. Nobody drives trucks on the lake even though there was 14" of ice: half of it was frozen slush. We found only a couple of access points where you can walk on in less than half a mile: the Cascade town boat ramp and Poison Creek Park. You should plan on using motor transport to get around. The lake is about 15 miles long and about a mile wide most places.
Tackle Tom's shop in Cascade has all kinds of tackle and live bait - we used only worms and they are available at every gas station anyway. TT also has GPS referenced bathymetric map of the lake for sale...you will need one. He is free with advice on what is happening and what has been working.... a really nice fellow.
Birch Glen Lodge is warm, dry, clean and quiet. Also has a heated room set up for cleaning fish so perfect also for socializing with other anglers.
Fishing success had been poor the week before we arrived and was slow last week..unusual for this time of the winter, apparently. Most years the perch feed on minnows but minnows are scarce this winter so the perch are focussed on grubbing chironomid worms out of the mud bottom and will spit up balls of the tiny red worms when brought out onto the ice. This made them difficult to catch and there were more anglers skunked every day than were successful
We scouted the locale Monday, Caught 9 but released 2 smaller ones Tuesday, were essentially skunked Wednesday and Thursday (but for a few 6" perch) then had our best day Friday when we hooked 15, landed 8 perch and released a trout. The good news was we both caught personal bests perch: mine was 16" and 2 lb 2 oz while my partner's was 15" and 1 lb 14 oz. We also landed several over 14". We caught only one perch in 4 days on a jaw jacker with worm/wire worm even though I tried several different worm/lure combos. All but that one were taken jigging copper or silver Wetaskiwin spoons with a piece of worm to sweeten them up. Nobody we met had ever seen a Wetaskiwin spoon. Ho Ho! The hot depth was 25 - 27' over a mud bottom. Having a sonar is a real asset so you know whether fish are around even though you may not be getting bites.
Cascade is at 4850' above sea level so real winter with a fair amount of snow except on the lake where there was only a couple inches so easy walking or quadding. Temperatures were about -14C at night and -5C daytime except Friday when it got up to about +3C. It rained Friday night and was raining when we departed Saturday morning.
Everyone we met was helpful and friendly so we are already planning a return tip: it is a beautiful area, was just too much fun and the perch taste great!
I hope this info will be useful.


That's quite strange that you weren't catching them on the Jaw Jackers. Out of the last three years I've been the Jaw Jackers always catch the majority of the fish. Usually they're going off so much it makes it tough to get a jigging rod in the water. A two hook set up 6 to 12 inch apart, Chartreuse and pink 5 mm tungsten jigs with a small piece of worm always seems to work.

What you found is typical of cascade. It really is hit and miss, one day good the next day tough. Very few days of crazy numbers out there. 10-20 fish days is a good day!.

[BPman]

That's quite strange that you weren't catching them on the Jaw Jackers. Out of the last three years I've been the Jaw Jackers always catch the majority of the fish. Usually they're going off so much it makes it tough to get a jigging rod in the water. A two hook set up 6 to 12 inch apart, Chartreuse and pink 5 mm tungsten jigs with a small piece of worm always seems to work.

What you found is typical of cascade. It really is hit and miss, one day good the next day tough. Very few days of crazy numbers out there. 10-20 fish days is a good day!.

We were really disappointed in the jaw jackers' results...it seemed that we had to be jigging and others we spoke with had found the same thing. Overall, from the reports we got, we did as well or better than most that week.
Regardless, I would go back in a moment!