Fishing report: Idaho river flows are friendly for trout, bass anglers

Here in Idaho, many of our fisheries are heavily dependent on water levels. And most years, late summer and early fall present ideal conditions. That is increasingly the case right now, as the Snake, Boise and Payette river systems are heating up for trout, bass and catfish anglers alike. Here are some tips and ideas for your next fishing trip:

Trout

No matter how you like to catch trout, opportunities abound in September.

Fly and spin anglers are catching nice rainbows and browns on the Boise, Owyhee and Wood river systems. Spinners, spoons, Rapalas, streamers, small nymphs and hopper patterns are solid choices. High alpine lakes and streams are also fishing well for cutthroat, brook, rainbow and occasional bull trout. A small Panther Martin or a fly-and-bobber rig — particularly when fished from a float tube — are my go-to setups for alpine trout. You’re virtually guaranteed a strike if you can catch a live grasshopper and use it as bait.

If you’re stream fishing and happen to come across red, spawning Kokanee, keep an eye for big trout following the salmon upstream to feed on their eggs. Boat anglers are also having success catching trout, most often trolling pop gear tipped with corn in large reservoirs including Cascade, C.J. Strike and Arrowrock.

Bass

The fishing hasn’t slowed down for bass enthusiasts. If anything, it’s picking up steam for smallmouth anglers on the Snake River, where manageable flows and clear water have created ideal conditions for targeting smallies with crankbaits, finesse jigs, soft plastics and topwater lures.

Floating weed mats can be a challenge at times — if you hook a big one, do your best to steer it clear of the vegetation. Largemouth bass in lakes and ponds remain on the chew, too, although weeds and algae can limit access, especially from shore. Try fishing weedless soft plastics and topwater frogs to yank a hungry largemouth from its lair. A boat, float tube or pontoon ups your chances of getting to the fish.

Catfish

It’s prime catfish season on the Snake River. If you want to tangle with big, hard-fighting channel cats, drifting a piece of fresh cut bait, shrimp or chicken liver through deep pools and river eddies is as close to a sure thing as it gets. I recommend fishing a circle hook and either leaving your bail open or setting the bait alert, which will allow the fish to swim off with your bait rather than feel your sinker and spit it out (or even worse, swim off with your fishing rod). Deep diving crankbaits and bottom bouncing jigs will also pick up catfish on occasion.

You’re Invited to Panfish School!

My next fishing class is set for Sept. 29 at the Hilton Garden Inn Boise Spectrum. Panfish School will focus on the top lures, locations and strategies for catching bluegill, crappie and perch in Idaho waters. Get all the details and sign up on at www.tightlines208.com. 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.