Watersports and fishing entice outdoors enthusiasts of all ages to the area's rivers, lakes and reservoirs. The general fishing season extends from Memorial Day weekend in May through November. Some reservoirs are open all year, and ice-fishing is excellent. Planted hatchery rainbow trout keep anglers happy and busy, while mackinaws, bluegill, yellow perch, crappie, and bass provide variety.
Huge Bear Lake, stretching 20 miles across the border into Utah, has several species of fish found nowhere else in the world! It holds the record for cutthroat at 18 pounds, 15 ounces! Blackfoot Reservoir is well-known for its huge cutthroat and rainbow trout
-- up to 10 pounds, and Oneida Reservoir has the elusive walleye!
Hunting units are open for big game, game birds, and waterfowl. Fertile agricultural valleys provide habitat for several species of game birds. Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge shows off some moose in its marshy 17,000 acres. Birdwatchers count 11 waterfowl species on the refuge. Massacre Rocks State Park has 200 species of birds, 300 species of desert plants, lava rock formations, and Oregon Trail history. Visit the zoo at Ross Park in Pocatello to see live grizzy bears, mountain lions, buffalo, antelope, wolves, and others.
At the resort area of Lava Hot Springs are found hot pools with temperatures up to 110 degrees Farenheit. Cross-country skiing and snowmobiling trips are available. See Minnetonka Cave near St. Charles, and the 100' water geyser at Soda Springs. Take windsurfing lessons at American Falls Reservoir on the Snake River when you tire of reeling in the numerous rainbow trout there.
Contact:
Southeastern Idaho Travel Council at 1-800-423-8597(Idaho) or 208-776-5273; Bear Lake Convention and Visitors' Bureau at 208-945-2072; Pocatello Convention and Visitors' Bureau at 208-233-1525; Lava Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce at 208-776-5500.