Hello. I am re-learning how to fish and will be staying the night at the Snake River sonn. Can anyone tell be what the best rig and the most simple rig I can use to just sit on the banks of the river and throw my line in? What should I look for when picking a spot to fish? What kind of bait to use.
Any info would be helpful.
I need a fishing mentor that I can send direct emails to for answer to my MANY questions.
Thank you.
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Welcome to the BFT boards, Wibby!
I'm not too familiar with the Snake River in Idaho but, if you were to post this in the "Idaho fishing forum" here you'ld be more than welcomed with some great information!
just click here: [url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/forum/Idaho_Fishing_Forum_C22/"]http://www.bigfishtackle.com/...o_Fishing_Forum_C22/[/url] and repost your question for the masses.
My personal opinion wouldn't do much good concerning my ignorance to the Snake.
However, good luck! I know there are some folks on here that'll be glad to help out! [
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Birddog gave you some good advice on getting specific info on the snake river. You're state board is a great resource for attaining specific info on local bodies of water. Also, WELCOME TO BFT!
But, we can also help you on this board! River fishing is pretty basic, regardless of location. Most rivers contain similar species of fish as well. The three biggies are: Bass, catfish, and bream of all sub species, shapes and sizes.
For Bass fishing you'll need a wide range of lure styles, colors, and a good bit of patients. But, since you're looking for simple and effective, go with old faithful. Tie on a hook to your rod and reel, attach a bobber, and go buy yourself some decent sized live minnows. Hook them through the back and toss them close to some bank structure. If there's a bass in the general area, he's sure to have a go at it.
Bream are easy. Same bobber rig, just a smaller hook. Get some live wax worms for bait and toss it by bank structure as well. You'll be in good shape. If you don't have waxworms availible, night crawlers work too.
For the kitty fish, just use a carolina style rig with about a 4/0 hook and a 1 oz sinker. Don't be affraid to use more weight if the river has a fast current. Since you don't have a fish finder angling from the bank, try to make your best guess where the deeper part of the river is and get your bait there. If you have a little bit larger rod and reel at your disposal, don't be affraid to use a hand sized bream for bait. If not, get yourself a bucket of chicken livers and call it a day. Chicken livers are like candy for channel cats. Flatheads dig the live bait, and blues did the fresh cutbait.
Keep in mind you can get specific species tactics in a more indepth fashion on the "species" related boards. You can also feel free to send me a private message, but there is no need. We'd love to have all your questions on the boards. Your questions help out other anglers too. That's why this site is so great!
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[cool][font "Poor Richard"][size 3][green]Hi there Wibby and welcome to the BFT. I have fly fished the Snake in Idaho but mostly in Wyoming. Many portions of the Snake run pretty strong so it would help to know in what area would you be fishing? I assume that you will be using some time of spinning gear and targeting the trout species. There are several different rigs one can use. But first it would be helpful to know the type of water to be fished. Posting your question on the Idaho board is good advise. Here is a link to same.
[/green][/size][/font][url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?forum=25"]http://www.bigfishtackle.com/.../gforum.cgi?forum=25[/url];
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Thank you for directing me to the Idaho board. I re-posted my question there.
I will probably be fishing for Trout, or anything that will bite my hook. Do people still use Powerbait or salmon eggs for bait? I would'nt even know how to properly hook a night crawler. So much to learn.
I need to catch a fish soon or my wife and my two young girls are going to think that I have no clue what I am doing.
Thanks,
Eric
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Hi there Wibby - yes people use power bait as it comes in many styles, colors and flavors. Be carefully about using Salmon eggs for it is illegal to use in many areas. Being clueless shouldn't be a deterrent. Lots of times it is just luck. Drop a line in an area to the right depth where fish are gathering. As you become more proficient you will start having more luck.[][/size][/green][/font]
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Welcome aboard Wibby. What are of the Snake are you planning to fish?? There are Catfish in there as well as some nice trout. Most of the Trout are a little proud for Power Bait but will suck up to a nice juicy nightcrawler.
Keep the hooks small, check the current in the area before deciding on a weight. Some areas have under tow too. Be carefull with that as well.
Don't use too big of a hook or too many worms on the same line. There are some huge Sturgeon in there and they might get too excited over a big ball of bait.[cool]
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Thanks. I will be fishing the Snake river outside the Boise, Meridian area.
How do I catch one of those catfish? What does a good catfish spot look like.
Also, what size rod and pound test should I be using for river fishing?
I am starting new with my knowledge of fishing, so I appreciate the help.
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For the Catfish in that river, you will need to find an area that is running really slow and meandering. The only area best for that is at the Southfork near Featherville.
You will need a medium action rod with 15 to 20lb test. 6oz Pyramid sinker tied to a dropper loop. Chicken livers will work best for you in that area.[cool]
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TN2 - I think you are lost in the woods. [
] South Fork near Featherville would be the Boise River and a long ways from the Snake.
For Snake River catfish there are many options but here are two:
1) Drive south from Meridian through Kuna to Swan Falls Dam. Anywhere below the dam will have catfish. The road from the dam downstream is pretty bad to non-existant.
2) Drive south from Nampa to Walters Ferry. There are some dirt tracks that go upstream and downstream.
I have used worms with a sinker on the line when fishing from a boat. Fishing from the bank, I use a sinker on a dropper so the bait will float. Bring lots of sinkers 'cause they will get snagged on the rocks and other stuff on the bottom. Worms, chicken livers, stinkbait will all work.
Have fun
RD
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