The Cascade Cup is Idaho's longest-running winter ice fishing event
The Cascade Cup Ice Fishing Tournament takes place each winter on Cascade Reservoir, about 70 miles northeast of Boise near the town of Cascade. The event draws anglers from across Idaho and neighboring states who compete for prizes while fishing through the ice for rainbow trout, kokanee, and perch. It's a working tournament — not a spectator event — where you fish your own hole and keep what you catch within the rules.
The tournament runs for a set number of days (usually three to five consecutive days), with fishing hours typically from sunrise to sunset. Entry fees cover your spot in the competition and access to the weigh-in process. Most years the event happens in January or February, though the exact dates shift depending on ice thickness and weather conditions.
Key Takeaways
- Cascade Cup is held on Cascade Reservoir in winter and requires you to register in advance; check the Idaho Department of Fish and Game website or local tackle shops for current dates and entry details.
- You must have a valid Idaho fishing license and follow all state fishing regulations, including species limits and size restrictions, even during the tournament.
- Fish are weighed at an official weigh station each day, and prizes are awarded based on weight categories and species — bring a cooler to keep your catch fresh between fishing and weigh-in.
- Ice thickness and weather can change tournament dates or cancel the event, so confirm conditions with organizers before you make the drive.
- The reservoir is at elevation and exposed; dress in layers, bring shelter or a pop-up tent, and tell someone where you're going and when you'll return.
How to enter and what you need to bring
Registration for Cascade Cup typically opens a few weeks before the tournament and closes a day or two before fishing begins. You can register through the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, at local tackle shops in the Cascade area, or sometimes online through the tournament organizer's website. Entry fees vary by year but usually run between $25 and $50 per angler. Some tournaments offer a family rate or allow multiple anglers per household at a discount.
Before you register, confirm you have a current Idaho fishing license. You'll need it to fish legally, and tournament officials check licenses at weigh-in. Bring your license with you on the ice — a physical copy or the digital version on your phone both work. You'll also need ice fishing gear: an auger or chisel to cut holes, a rod and reel rated for ice fishing, line, hooks or jigs, and bait (live minnows or prepared bait, depending on current regulations). A cooler with ice keeps your catch in good condition for the weigh-in.
Understanding the rules and what fish count
Cascade Cup follows Idaho Department of Fish and Game regulations for Cascade Reservoir. Rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, and perch are the primary target species, though the tournament may recognize only certain species for prize categories — check the current rules when you register. Each species has a minimum size limit (usually 10 to 12 inches for trout and perch, smaller for kokanee), and you must follow daily catch limits set by the state.
Fish are weighed at an official station, usually located near the reservoir access area. Bring your catch in a cooler or on a stringer to keep it fresh. The tournament weighs fish individually or by total weight per angler, depending on the format — read the rules carefully before you fish. Undersized or protected fish are not counted and must be released. If you're unsure whether a fish meets the size requirement, the weigh master will measure it on the spot.
When the tournament happens and how weather affects it
Cascade Cup is scheduled for winter months when Cascade Reservoir is frozen solid enough to fish safely. Most years the tournament runs in January or February, but the exact dates depend on ice thickness and weather. Organizers typically require at least 4 to 6 inches of clear ice before the event begins. If conditions aren't safe, the tournament is postponed or rescheduled.
Check with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game or the tournament organizer a few days before the scheduled start date to confirm the event is going forward. Weather can change quickly at elevation, and a warm spell can soften ice or create unsafe conditions. If you're driving from a distance, call ahead rather than showing up to find the tournament cancelled. Local tackle shops in Cascade often have current information and can tell you whether conditions are fishable.
What to expect at the weigh station and how prizes work
Each day of the tournament, anglers bring their catch to the official weigh station during a set window — usually in the late afternoon or early evening. The weigh master records your name, the species of each fish, and the total weight. Fish are typically returned to you after weighing (unless the tournament keeps them for a community meal or donation), so bring a cooler to transport them home.
Prizes are usually awarded in categories: largest single fish, heaviest total catch per species, or heaviest overall catch. Some tournaments also have youth divisions or family categories. Prize money or merchandise is distributed at the end of the tournament, either on the final day or at an awards gathering. The exact prize structure changes year to year, so ask about it when you register.
Safety and preparation for ice fishing at Cascade
Cascade Reservoir sits at about 4,700 feet elevation, and winter weather can be harsh. Dress in layers — a base layer that wicks moisture, an insulating middle layer, and a windproof outer shell. Bring a hat, gloves, and insulated boots rated for cold and wet conditions. The wind across the ice can make the temperature feel much colder than the thermometer reads.
Bring a pop-up shelter or windbreak to block the wind and give you a place to warm up between fishing. A small camp stove (used safely outdoors) can heat water for coffee or soup. Bring more water and snacks than you think you'll need — dehydration happens fast in cold, dry air. Tell a friend or family member where you're going, what time you expect to return, and check in when you're done. If you slip on ice or get into trouble, having someone know your location matters.
Carry a charged phone and know the location of the nearest help. The Cascade area has cell service, but it can be spotty on the reservoir. If you're new to ice fishing, fish near other anglers rather than alone, and watch how experienced fishers set up their holes and rigs.
Getting to Cascade Reservoir and where to fish
Cascade Reservoir is reached via Idaho Highway 55, about 70 miles north of Boise. The drive takes roughly 90 minutes from central Boise. The main public access point is Cascade Dam, on the south end of the reservoir. There's a boat launch area and parking lot where most tournament anglers gather. The reservoir is about 25 miles long, so fishing spots vary — some anglers stay near the dam, while others drive or walk to different areas of the ice.
The town of Cascade has a few small motels, restaurants, and gas stations if you want to stay overnight or grab supplies. Local tackle shops in Cascade can tell you which areas of the reservoir are producing fish and whether the ice is safe. If you're driving from out of state, allow extra time for the mountain road, especially if snow is forecast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a fishing license to fish in the Cascade Cup tournament?
Yes. You must have a valid Idaho fishing license, and you'll show it at weigh-in. You can buy a license online through the Idaho Department of Fish and Game website, at sporting goods stores, or at local tackle shops in Cascade. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license if you're only fishing the tournament.
What if I've never ice fished before?
Cascade Cup welcomes beginners. Rent or borrow ice fishing gear if you don't own it — local tackle shops in Cascade often rent augers and rods. Fish near other anglers and watch how they set up. The basics are simple: cut a hole, drop a baited hook or jig, and wait. Most people catch fish within their first few hours.
Can I fish multiple days if the tournament runs for three or more days?
Yes. You register once and can fish every day of the tournament. Some anglers fish all three or four days and combine their catch for a larger total weight. Check the rules to see whether daily catches are combined or scored separately.
What happens if the ice isn't thick enough and the tournament is cancelled?
The organizer will reschedule the tournament to a later date or refund your entry fee. This is rare but can happen during warm winters. Contact the tournament organizer or the Idaho Department of Fish and Game to find out about rescheduling or refunds.
Can I keep the fish I catch during the tournament?
Yes. After weigh-in, the fish are yours to take home and cook. Bring a cooler to keep them fresh during the drive. Ice-caught trout and kokanee are excellent eating — clean them soon after you get home and store them on ice or in the freezer.