Fishing report: It’s prime time in Idaho to chase big trout
We Idaho anglers are fortunate in that many of our fisheries are open year-round. But some of our trophy trout waters — Henry’s Lake and sections of Silver Creek, the Snake River and the South Fork Boise River, to name a few — open Memorial Day weekend. With the holiday in the rearview, it’s high time to chase the drag-peeling trout the Gem State is known for.
TROUT
Whether you prefer fly-fishing in rivers or pursuing lake-dwelling monsters from a boat, it’s prime time for targeting big rainbows, cutthroats and hybrids, which will retreat to deeper water once things get too warm.
Fly-fishing with dry patterns, nymphs and streamers is a good option. Leech and woolly bugger patterns are particularly effective for catching lake and reservoir trout from a boat or float tube. With spinning tackle, I like to start with a spinner or Rapala on one rod and, if conditions allow, fish a bait line with a worm or some Power Bait (make sure you have a two-pole permit). Trolling is another great way to catch trout — it allows you to cover a lot of water while dragging pop gear, spinners or Rapalas. Sharpen those hooks and tie good knots!
BASS
It’s an interesting time for bass fishing in local waters. In warmer fisheries at lower elevations, many fish have finished spawning and are now entering full-on summer feast mode. In cooler waters at higher elevations, fish may just now be moving in shallow to begin their spawning routine.
Bluegill are also preparing to spawn, so spinnerbaits and other minnow-imitating lures are a good way to trigger a predatory strike from a bass. Finesse jigs, swim baits and soft plastics pitched in and around weeds and other heavy cover are also a good way to go. And when conditions are right on warm, calm evenings and mornings, nothing beats the excitement of an explosive topwater strike on a frog, plug or fly.
KOKANEE
For whatever reason, 2020 has been a slower year for kokanee anglers thus far. As a schooling fish with limited natural reproduction in most local reservoirs, kokanee can be cyclical. There is also a lot of extra boat and angler traffic this spring because of COVID-19.
Still, resilient anglers can find schools of salmon anywhere from 60 feet down to right under the surface. On a recent trip to Payette Lake in McCall, there were kokanees jumping clear out of the water! No matter how deep you find them, trolling with flashers trailed by corn-tipped spoons, hoochies and wedding rings is the best recipe for landing a limit. Trout and landlocked chinook salmon are common kokanee bycatch.
Come Learn All About that Bass!
Want to learn more about bass fishing in Idaho? Join me for my next fishing class! All About That Bass is set for Tuesday, June 23, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn Boise Spectrum. This class gives students a deep dive into the best lures, locations and strategies for catching largemouth and smallmouth bass in Idaho all season long. Sign up on my website, www.tightlines208.com. I hope to see you there!
Jordan Rodriguez has been fishing Idaho waters since he was a teen. Share your fish stories, adventures, tips and tricks with him at tightlinesboise@gmail.com or visit www.tightlines208.com.