Panfish school is in session! Learn how to catch Idaho bluegill, crappie and perch

Idaho’s lakes, ponds and reservoirs are home to millions of bluegill, crappie and perch — some of the most abundant, best-eating fish around! If you want to improve your panfish game, check out my next Tight Lines 208 fishing class, Panfish School, which is set for Wednesday, June 15, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn Boise Spectrum. Participants will receive a bag of panfish tackle, expert tips on how to use it and much more as we do a deep dive on catching these aggressive schooling species.

Some of our best local panfish destinations include C.J. Strike Reservoir (which is home to all three species); Lake Cascade (which grows legendary jumbo perch); Crane Creek Reservoir (known for trophy crappie) and Treasure Valley ponds, many of which are loaded with bluegill. We’ll cover it all in class! For details and registration, visit www.tightlines208.com.

Jordan Rodriguez has been fishing Idaho waters since he was a teen. Share your fish stories, adventures and questions with him at tightlinesboise@gmail.com, or visit www.tightlines208.com for the latest local fishing reports and upcoming class offerings.

This story was originally published May 24, 2022 at 5:00 AM.