Fishing in Idaho: Exploring Iron Bog Lake, Fish Pole Lake, and Brockie Lake
Fishing in the Pioneer Mountains Fishing in Idaho: Exploring Iron Bog Lake, Fish Pole Lake, and Brockie Lake Fishing in…
Nestled in southwestern Idaho along the Snake River near Grand View and Bruneau, CJ Strike Reservoir is a top-tier fishing destination for locals and out-of-state anglers alike. Known for its diverse fishery, panoramic views, and well-loved tournaments, CJ Strike offers a little bit of everything for every type of fisherman—from weekend warriors to pro anglers.
One of the most popular areas of this 7,500-acre reservoir is The Narrows—a stretch of water where anglers often congregate thanks to concentrated fish activity and unique underwater structure. After exploring it by boat and talking with several anglers along the way, it’s clear: the fishing action here is more than just hype.
CJ Strike is managed by Idaho Power and offers ample shoreline access, multiple boat launches, camping opportunities, and year-round fishing access. It spans the confluence of the Snake and Bruneau Rivers, giving it an incredibly rich fish population and a mix of habitats.
One of the best parts about CJ Strike is the wide variety of fish available:
Smallmouth Bass – Especially hot in the spring and summer; found in rocky coves and along the Narrows.
Largemouth Bass – Common in back bays and weedy shallows.
Rainbow Trout – Stocked regularly; great from shore and boat alike.
Yellow Perch – Schooling fish that offer fast action, especially in cooler months.
Crappie – Targeted by many panfish anglers, especially around submerged structures.
Bluegill & Sunfish – Great for family fishing trips with kids.
Channel Catfish – Big night biters! Found deeper in summer and roaming flats at dusk.
Sturgeon – Catch-and-release only. Massive fish that draw trophy hunters to the Snake River side.
White Sturgeon – A true river monster; best in deep channels off the main reservoir.
Kokanee (occasionally) – Present but not as abundant as in other lakes.
The Narrows at CJ Strike is where the real action is. This area funnels water between two broader sections of the reservoir, creating a natural bottleneck that’s perfect for predator fish. Bass tend to stage here, waiting for baitfish to come through. It’s a prime area for casting crankbaits, jerkbaits, or jigs along the rocky banks and ledges.
On your boat trip through The Narrows, you’ll notice anglers lining both sides, anchored up or trolling slowly. Many report fast action on smallmouth bass in this area, especially during the morning hours.
Hot Tips for Fishing The Narrows:
Use a drop-shot rig in deeper water if the bite slows.
Fish early morning or late evening for topwater action.
Watch for baitfish jumping—predators are often close behind.
In summer, fish deeper drop-offs with soft plastics or Carolina rigs.
Fishing at CJ Strike is productive all year, but certain seasons offer peak opportunities depending on the species.
Smallmouth and largemouth bass are aggressive during pre-spawn and spawn.
Crappie and perch school up and move shallower.
Trout are active and close to shore.
Early mornings and evenings for bass and trout.
Catfish bite heats up at night.
Bluegill and panfish are easy to catch near the surface.
Great for bass feeding before winter.
Trout fishing picks up again as water cools.
Perch are abundant and active.
Ice rarely forms, so open water fishing remains.
Trout and perch are still active in deeper channels.
Slow presentations work best this time of year.
CJ Strike Reservoir has earned a respected reputation among Idaho’s bass fishing community. Several bass tournaments are held here annually, drawing anglers from across the state and neighboring regions.
Tournaments typically take place from late spring through early fall, with spring (April–May) often being the most competitive season due to aggressive pre-spawn bass behavior.
Hosted Tournaments Include:
Idaho B.A.S.S. Nation events
Local club tournaments (e.g., Snake River Bassmasters)
Open tournaments with cash prizes
Youth and high school competitive events
These tournaments frequently feature The Narrows as a high-traffic zone, where multiple teams target the same key stretches. You’ll often see anglers flipping jigs, dragging soft plastics, or burning spinnerbaits hoping to land that one big bite.
Whether you’re planning a weekend tournament or a day of family fishing, CJ Strike has great facilities:
Cottonwood Park and North Park (maintained by Idaho Power) offer:
Boat ramps
Restrooms
Camping (free, first-come, first-served)
Shoreline access
Multiple dispersed camping sites nearby
Day use areas for bank anglers
Fishing License Required: Be sure to have your Idaho fishing license, available online or at local retailers.
Weather Changes Fast: CJ Strike is known for its sudden winds—check forecasts before boating.
Early Bird Gets the Fish: Arrive before sunrise to beat the crowds, especially at the Narrows.
Bring a Variety of Gear: Fish depths and target species vary a lot—you’ll want options.
Whether you’re trolling for trout, flipping for bass, or chasing a tournament victory, CJ Strike has something for every angler. The Narrows offer some of the best action on the lake, and the surrounding scenery and amenities make this a great destination for families, solo adventurers, and serious competitors alike.
Grab your gear, launch your boat, and experience the wild, fish-rich waters of CJ Strike for yourself.
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