Idaho Fish Report

Water is fairly clear in most of the lake with a few areas having some stained water. The water temperature has warmed, with the average being 59-66 degrees. The surface temperature continues to warm, which will force the trout out to deep, cool water. The main river channel and some of the creek channels are good areas to locate trout. Most anglers have been finding fish from 15-30' of water. Trolling anglers have had success trolling at faster 2-3mph speeds. At a slow troll many fish will swim up to a bait, check it out and choose not to strike. With a faster troll, the fish have less time to inspect the bait and will strike more often. A great spoon for trolling is a Speedy Shiner. This spoon performs well at faster trolling speeds. Many different colors catch fish and they each have a time and a place. Another good way to catch trout while trolling is with a Rapala Shad Rap. A Shad Rap has a large bill that when trolled on a top-line will get down 12-15' of water. Bank anglers are still catching a few fish, but the bite has slowed down. A few local guides have found some kokanee and expect them to start biting in the next few weeks. This warming trend in the weather should jump start the kokanee bite. In the next couple weeks we should start seeing a few limits. To target kokanee try trolling in 40-60' of water. Bass: Good. The lake level has been dropping and the fish that wanted to be shallow for the spring are being pushed back to deeper water. The bite is still good and most anglers are catching a bunch of fish on each outing. Dragging soft plastics has been the most productive approach for most anglers. Senkos, lizards, Brush Hogs, Beavers and straight tail worms have all been working. A good rule of thumb would be, when fishing in stained water use bright colors and when fishing in clear water use natural colors. Also, in stained water bulky-bait will push water which makes it easier for fish to locate them. As far as rigging methods are concerned, use a weedless approach when fish around wood and an exposed darthead or wacky-rig will work on dirt and rock areas. With the water temperature warming there will be a reaction bite and a top water bite that should be happening soon. Glory Hole Sports (209) 736-4333