Idaho Fish Report

Boat ramps are open, including Rocky Point, Henzel Park, Petric Park, Wocus Bay and Eagle Ridge. Please plan accordingly. Hagelstein Park boat ramp, restroom and campground is closed. Please remember that nets of any type cannot be used to catch any species of fish. This includes minnows to use for bait

Catch rates are some of the lowest on record but have improved for 18- to 21-inch redband trout. Fly-fishing can be productive this time of the year. Diet studies of redband trout the past two years showed redband trout are focusing on small insects when the move into the cold water. Small leeches, mayflies and midge fly patterns can work well.

Trolling lures becomes difficult as vegetation grows fast and the lake drops quickly. The best bet is the Agency Lake, Pelican Bay Area (before vegetation explodes) and along Fish Banks.

ODFW encourages catch-and-release on this fishery due to low spawning numbers this year. Please fight your fish quickly and then release your fish immediately without removing it from the water. This is especially important around the white pelicans that are looking for your injured and stressed fish after release. Also, consider fishing early mornings instead of the evening when water temperatures increase.

The lake is 3.3 feet below full pool and 49 percent full. Water temperature is peaking around 75 degrees near the bottom. Warm water temperatures and high pH (alkalinity) will push redband trout out of the lake to better water quality areas such as Pelican Bay, Williamson River, Wood River and Agency Lake near Wood River mouth.

Please remember that once you retain your one redband/rainbow trout limit you must stop fishing for redband/rainbow trout. Also, all radio tagged redband trout must be released unharmed.