Hornet Reservoir Fishing Guide, Washington County, Idaho

• Overview

  In Idaho, Hornet Reservoir belongs to Washington County. Height above sea level is 7,067 feet. Surface area is around 32 acres, which gives you real water without needing a boat. On size it sits at the modest end of our Washington County list. McCall sits 32 miles from here and is the nearest stop. Boise sits 86 miles out, and it is the nearest city worth the name. The boundary is close enough to be worth checking before you fish.

• Where to Fish on Hornet Reservoir

  Nothing we hold settles how deep this runs. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. Open biodiversity records for Washington County list rainbow trout, brown trout, flathead catfish and channel catfish. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. Fish Hornet Reservoir to its features, not to its size.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between December at about 21°F and August at about 55°F, the water has a wide range to work through. Cold locks it up for a good stretch each year. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around early May. On the long-run averages the water opens up around early May and starts locking again about mid November. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. On Hornet Reservoir that shapes the whole year.

• Tackle & Baits

  No public source sets out the position on this bank. There is no mapped parking or launch nearby, which keeps numbers down. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. Should this one be busy, Lower Hornet Reservoir is 0.3 miles off. Check the position at Hornet Reservoir before loading the car.