Fishing Magic Reservoir

AKA: Magic Lake

Popular Fish Species
Magic Reservoir Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
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Boat Launch Ramps
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Magic Reservoir, ID

Popular Fish Species Magic Reservoir, ID

Magic Reservoir Popular Fish - Brown Trout

Brown Trout Fishing

Currently, fishing for brown trout in Magic Reservoir is delivering some nice catches. These hearty fighters migrate around the lake in search of baitfish and comfortable water temperatures, preferably in the 50 to 62 degree range. In spring brown trout, along with the baitfish, move to the shallows which warms first. As the days get warmer in summer they move deeper, again following schools of bait. As Fall and Winter arrive, browns tend to stay in deeper water. When these trout move deep, it is typically in the 20- to 45-foot range. Nightcrawlers are always a good bait for brown trout. In-line spinners, bait-colored crankbaits and small spoons are other options. Experiment with depth and retrieve speed. When the lake freezes over, enjoy ice fishing for trout.

Magic Reservoir Popular Fish - Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Smallmouth bass are the most sought-after species at Magic Reservoir, with fish over 3 pounds very common. Smallmouth bass fishing is particularly good when they move to shallow water. Use shallow spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits around any sort of rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, when the lake freezes over, consider ice fishing for smallies. Other times, focus your time on deeper structure with drop-shot rigs, small worms, jigs and spoons. Rock piles and points are prime areas for smallmouth as these areas are also home to crawfish.

Magic Reservoir Popular Fish - Yellow Perch

Yellow Perch Fishing

Yellow perch tend to spawn in the April to May timeframe, and the spawn has been strong for years at Magic Reservoir. As a result, the lake continues to maintain a very healthy population of yellow perch, which have been a mainstay in the fishery for decades. They are fun to catch in winter when ice fishing as well. Yellow perch are great table fare, and are a food source for many predator fish in the lake. Fishing for yellow perch is simple, their primary diet consists of minnows and other small fish, insects and worms. Yellow perch tend to gather in small groups and hang out on relatively deep structure, near cover and/or drop-offs. Use a small hook and sinker. Bait a small hook with minnows, worms or small jigs using 6 to 10 pound line.

Magic Reservoir Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, brown trout and yellow perch at Magic Reservoir in Idaho.

Although there are few amenities at the lake, Magic Reservoir is worth the trip, just come prepared to be self sustaining if you camp at the lake. This 3,600-acre fishery in the southwest part of the state is just 10 miles southwest of Bellevue. The reservoir is regularly stocked with rainbow trout, ensuring a steady supply of these sought-after fish throughout the fishing season. In addition to rainbow trout, anglers can also target other species such as smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and catfish. The lake nearly 30 miles of shoreline which surround this delightful fishing paradise. Boat launch ramps on the east, west and north sides of the lake allow launching of all types of boats.

Primary fish species residing in Magic Reservoir

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Magic Reservoir Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: NEARBY
RV Hookups: NEARBY
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: NO
Bait & Tackle: NO
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Barrel Springs Boat Launch
Located in the northwest section of the lake, north side, off I-20, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

East Magic Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off E Magic Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and gravel parking.

Hot Springs Landing Boat Launch Area
Located in the northern section of the lake, off Hot Springs Landing Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

West Magic Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Rainbow Drive, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and gravel parking.