Sage Hen Reservoir
where:
Up Highway 55 North of Boise this beautiful mountain reservoir sits up a dirt road just outside of Smiths Ferry. Depending on your starting point it is about a 2 hours drive with the option of coming in off Hwy 55 or from the Sweet Ola Highway. The dirt road coming in from the Smiths Ferry side can be a little tight and rough in a few spots so be cautious on the size of trailers or RV you try and take up it. Last I checked, the Ola side would be the better choice towing anything up but it has been a few years and you might want to do some research before heading up. The lake sits at about 5000’ altitude making it better suited for early to mid-summer fishing as it may take a while for the snow to melt some years.
What:
Trout
HOW:
This small mountain reservoir is a great place to break out your canoe, kayak, or float tube and get some nice trout fishing it. Boating on the lake is allowed but it has a 15 mph limit and its smaller size is more favorable for small to medium boats. That said, if you are bring a boat trolling a simple dodger and wedding ring will catch you plenty of fish. There is typically a lower bag limit for fish so be sure and check your regulations before heading out. With the low bag limit it could be a good time to get a little creative and try out some larger lures and target bigger fish.
Sage Hen has ample bank access for bobber or bottom fishing provided by trail running alongside the lake from the campgrounds all the way to the dam. Some of the best bank access is closer to the dam which is also where I have found the bigger fish hanging out.
Bonus:
Sage Hen not only provides great fishing, but it is also a great place to spend a hot summer day in the water. There typically has been a rope swing near the dam end of the reservoir off the walking trail. As with any rope swing, be sure to check the condition of the rope and anchor point along with general safety of using it.
The area around Sage Hen also offers some good huckleberry picking in the late summer. The one downside is they had to log the area fairly heavily in recent years to help stop the spread of a tree killing moss that had plagued the area. This has lead to some pretty dusty conditions they may have affected some of the huckleberry picking.
If you are heading out highway 55 you will pass thru the small town of Horseshoe Bend. As soon as you cross the Payette River you will find the Locking Horns Riverside Restaurant. This is a great place to grab a riverside pizza or a burger and beer while sitting on the patio next to the beautiful river.