Fishing report: Searching high and low for summer catches in Idaho
As thermostats hit triple digits for the first time in 2020, many anglers are looking for opportunities to beat the heat. Whether you want to wade, float tube or retreat to cooler mountain air, here are some ideas to keep you catching fish through the heat wave.
Reach for higher ground
Heading to the mountains is an annual rite of summer for many outdoors enthusiasts, but here’s a firsthand tip: Despite the recent warmup, it has actually been a mild summer, so some trails to popular mountain lakes remain partially blocked by snow or muddied by late-melting runoff. If you plan an alpine trip, be prepared to blaze a trail, and keep a lower elevation destination in your pocket as a backup plan. And pack warmer gear than you think you’ll need!
The good news is semi-alpine locations are open for business. The Stanley area is littered with lakes to fish. Henrys Lake in eastern Idaho offers cooler temperatures and hot fishing for trophy trout. And if you head up Idaho 55, options include Tripod Reservoir, Lake Cascade, Warm Lake, Horsethief Reservoir and the Payette Lakes near McCall. My family and I spent a recent weekend camping and chasing tiger muskie at Little Payette, and while we didn’t succeed in landing a toothy monster this time, we put some awesome smallmouth bass in the boat. We also enjoyed perfect mountain weather, with highs in the 70s and overnight lows in the upper 40s.
On the topic of mountain lakes, I get a lot of questions about Deadwood Reservoir, a popular spot for kokanee and trout. The two main takeaways are this: both roads in are bad (and getting worse) condition, and crowding is an issue. With campsites at a premium, make sure you plan ahead so you can get a spot if you make the long, bumpy trip.
Cool off in the Valley
Fishing remains good in and around the Treasure Valley. Species like bass, bluegill and catfish are undeterred by the weather, as they prefer warmer temperatures. Target bass with crayfish imitations, use small jigs and crankbaits for panfish, and tempt a catfish with fresh cut bait from a sucker or pikeminnow. Trout fishing might slow down in low-elevation lakes and ponds, but it remains steady in rivers and streams, which provide a great opportunity to wade and cool off. Try fishing with spinners, Rapalas, bait or flies — fun patterns like hoppers and floating ants typically work well this time of year.
One of my favorite ways to beat the heat is to fish from a float tube. Smaller lakes and ponds like Crane Falls and Bruneau Dunes are perfect for a relaxing evening kicking around and chasing largemouth bass and bluegill. Soft plastic lures are usually the most productive, but topwater plugs or flies can be a real kick in the swim trunks—bigger fish will even take you on a tube ride! Float tubes are also great for exploring mountain lakes with trout flies and spinners.
Wherever your adventures take you, make sure you stay safe and keep hydrated. Tight lines!
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.