Fishing report: Alpine trout season is here; plus, here’s where to catch bass and crappie

It was a little late arriving, but Idaho’s unique alpine trout season is here. While you might still encounter snow at the highest elevations, access should be clear to explore the hundreds of mountain lakes and streams that hide deep in the Gem State’s expansive wilderness. Here are some tips for summer trout fishing, along with an update on other popular species.

Trout

It’s go-time for hiking into Idaho’s high-mountain streams and lakes. Our state is home to more lakes than a person could possibly fish in a lifetime. From the Treasure Valley, the nearest clusters are found above Lake Cascade, north of McCall, near Idaho City or in the Stanley area.

Cutthroat trout are the most common catch, but some lakes are home to brook trout, rainbow trout, bull trout and, on rare occasion, arctic grayling and golden trout. For my money, a small Panther Martin spinner on an ultralight rod is hard to beat, although I’ve also caught high alpine trout on Rapalas and flies, particularly grasshoppers and other floating patterns fished behind a clear plastic bobber. If you can spare the extra weight in your pack (or better yet, if you are using a base camp approach to explore multiple lakes on day trips), having a float tube makes a huge difference. It can be a little chilly, but the ability to fish the entire lake is a huge advantage.

Lastly, don’t overlook small creeks. I recently camped with my family next to a stream that was mostly shin-deep. But I found a couple deep pockets and caught a half-dozen wild rainbows in short order. Spinners also work well in streams, but the most effective way to fish is drifting a nymph, micro jig or worm through deep pools and riffles.

Crappie

There’s no shortage of crappie in local reservoirs. Generally speaking, expect more but smaller fish (in the 8- to 9-inch range) at C.J. Strike, and fewer but larger fish (12 inches or better) at Brownlee. Owyhee Reservoir is also fishing well for good-sized crappie (just make sure you obtain an Oregon license).

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are several smaller, off the beaten path lakes that offer excellent fishing in the summer months. Crappie can be targeted in a variety of ways. Small panfish jigs fished solo, tandem or under a bobber are usually the best bet. Small spinnerbaits like the Johnson Beetle Spin and ultralight crankbaits made by Bomber and Yo-Zuri are also effective — large crappie can even be caught while trolling.

Bass

The bass bite remains strong across southwest Idaho. For smallmouth, fish the Snake River and its associated reservoirs. Crayfish patterns including soft plastics, crankbaits, jigs and streamers are the most effective presentations. Largemouth bass remain active in dozens of lakes and ponds. If there are weed beds and other vegetative cover available, fish around those with weedless soft plastics, spinnerbaits and topwater frogs. If receding water levels leave cover high and dry, head offshore and target submerged ledges, humps and rock piles with Carolina rigs, jigs and deep-diving crankbaits.

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.