Hello getting back into fishing

[5i7v3r5]

Hello there.
We're moving up to Mountain Home, ID (from Eastern IA) in a couple weeks and I'm looking to get my dad back into fishing.
He used to fish around here, but our waterways are dirty and polluted so he stopped years ago.
He's only fished with a basic Reel and rod, he probably wouldn't be able to catch on to fly fishing.
He's only really used a bobber and hook setup (for bass and blue gill (I think)) or weighted line for catching Catfish.

I bought him a Basic 6' Rod and Reel from Wally world that has a line capacity of 15lbs.
I don't fish so I have no idea what else to get him. I'm not sure what kind of fish are up there and what kind of lures to use for them.

Could anyone give me a good example or something of some Lures and Items I should buy him for fishing up there?

Thank You,

5i7v3r5
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[wiperhunter2]

Welcome to the site, I'll move your post to the Idaho board so you can get some first hand info from the guys that live in that area.I know there is some good fishing at CJStrike which is not too far from Mountain home. I know it has bass, crappie, catfish and some huge sturgeon but the local guys will need to fill you in on what to use.
WH2
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[cpierce]

Probably the best and closest is CJ Strike. I'm not in that area much, and when I have been I use a float tube so I am not really an expert on bank fishing areas. There is also Crane Falls Lake (bass and bluegill). I have seen some bank fishing in that area. Most will pass Crane Falls and fish on the bank of CJ Strike that is just behind it. Also off of the spit of land that separates CJ and the Cove Arm Lake or reservoir.

There are also the community ponds in the Boise area.

http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/apps/ffw/de...on_ID_FK=4

Good luck and let us know how you do.
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[Westslopecutt]

CJ Strike is a good bet for warm water species along with trout. It's not unusual for the wind to start blowing pretty hard out there so you should be prepared for that. As far as lures to try, I think you should speak to someone that works in the sporting goods department of a retail outlet in or near Mtn. Home to get some advice depending on what type of fish you are targeting. You can certainly catch some fish from the bank but Strike is big enough that a boat is a definite advantage.
There's also fishing in the Snake River below the dam, that's where the guys that target Sturgeon usually are at. I've had some luck in the past catching both trout and Smallmouths in the river below the dam.

Personally I prefer to catch trout so I don't fish at Strike very often, even though there are some trout available. For me, waters near Mtn. Home that I typically will try include Anderson Ranch, Little Camas and S. Fork of the Boise river. Be aware that there are special regulations for the S. Fork below Anderson dam. The most important thing to understand is that you can't use bait in that part of the river. You can use lures with barbless hooks and they can be effective although early in the season the fishing in the S. Fork can be very difficult due to run off and high flows out of the dam. You definitely want to pick up and study a copy of the fishing regulations when you purchase your license. You can also go to the Idaho Fish and Game website and view fishing reports and download a copy of the regs if you're interested.

I don't know if you use Google maps but you can search for some of these places by name and get some more detailed information and also get a better idea of what to expect. Idaho is a great place to live and the fishing can be spectacular. Best of luck with your adventures.
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