Fishing Forum

Wife and I attended a family reunion at Cascade Lake, ID and of course we had to wet a line while we were there. Fishing was tough early in the week due to high wind and waves, but it settled down toward the end of the week and we did much better with the catching. Planned on treating everyone to a perch fish fry and almost panicked when the perch weren't to be found. Caught some trout just in case, but it wasn't until Saturday that I found and learned how to catch those big perch.

They were in the shallows, 8 to 10', amongst the weeds feeding on 1" minnows. I dropped a piece of worm down, but few takers. Thanks to an unknown local who pulled up along side me and started to pull them. He used a small piece of worm with a light slip sinker above it and cast it into the holes among the weeds. Bingo! So we copied him and promptly got enough for the fish fry. I thought it was interesting that the perch wanted the bait moving before they would hit it. Water temp was 68F in the morning and up to about 73F by the end of the day.

All of the trout we caught had sores from parasites. Most had 20 or more red spots on them. Locals said Cascade was bad, but lakes closer to Boise were worse. Checked out the blog and it seems they have an infestation of water worms. Not supposed to be a problem, but sure made the trout look bad.

Tried for some Kokes near the dam, but could only catch the bows. Love that lake, but I really think it is a much better winter lake than summer lake. Planning to go back up one more time before ice time. Hoping those perch won't have moved too far!

Sorry, didn't get any perch pictures, but several were in the 13" range and most over 10". Made great filets which were even better with my crispy Long John Silver's batter. Here's some pictures I did take:
[signature]

Looks like you had a good trip, and caught some of the larger perch.
[signature]

It was a good trip with several hours on the water each day. Just wish I could have got on to the perch before the last day. Guess that gives me something to look forward to.

On another subject ... Was considering a trip to the Columbia and buoy 10 fishing the third week of Aug. With the big return expected this year it's hard to pass it up. Last time it was a 17 hour pull with the boat and I think it would be better just to fly over and pick up a cheap charter. I'm getting too old to do it all anymore, but it's fun to think about all those Kings just waiting to be caught!
[signature]

I'm headed to Starvation in the morning to give the walleye another try, we haven't been there since mid June just after the big cold front moved thru and the walleye bite was pretty slow. We are taking delivery on a new truck this afternoon or I would have headed to Starvation after work. One or two more outings with the old Crestliner then she will be put in storage and hunting season starts.
[signature]

I'll probably go to Soldier Creek tomorrow. Have been wanting to get into the kokes again. Need a few to smoke for smoked salmon dip. Good luck at Starvation and with the eyes. A few of those for dinner sounds good.
[signature]