09-30-2008, 11:10 AM
This report highlights a few of the best places to fish, what anglers are using and what they are catching. The information is compiled from regional Fish and Game fishery managers, local tackle shops and anglers.
Boise River:
Fall is best on the Boise, so be ready for some pretty days on this downtown stream. Flows are down, making wading less tricky.
South Fork of the Boise River and Middle Fork Boise:<br />
Trout will be more active and hungrier this time of year. Hard to beat fall scenery, too. Hoppers should still produce until nights are too cold for them.<br />
C.J. Strike Reservoir
Idaho Power continues construction work on some of its facilities at the reservoir; work that will go on for at least a year in some cases. Anglers will find temporary closures in several areas as work proceeds, so have a little patience. After the work is finished, the area should be an even better place. C.J. Strike Construction Information
Yellow perch - Fishing for yellow perch is poor. Most people wanting perch soon decide to fish for crappie. Very few perch are being caught.
Smallmouth bass - Fishing should be picking up as air and water temps cool.
Rainbows - The hotspots continue to be below the dam near the turbine outlets and from the dam on the lake side near the turbine inlets - just upstream from the cable barrier. Worms fished on the bottom seem to be the best bait.
Crappie - Running on the small side (9-10 inches) but are still providing fast action all over the reservoir. Jig color and fishing depth seem to make little difference. Fish the rocky points and coves in the Snake Arm.
Catfish - The Bruneau Arm is producing a few good cats but the fishing action has been
And remember: a two-pole validation is $43.25 cheaper than a citation.
Snake River:<br />
Catfishing has been outstanding most of the summer and cooler weather does not hurt a bit. Cut bait and worms are both catching fish.
Smallmouth bass - Some lunker bass have been caught below CJ Strike Dam and around Loveridge Bridge this summer. Fishing will pick up in September, dramatically after the first frost.
Sturgeon below CJ Strike Dam - Fishing for the big fellas has been good again lately. Most anglers are using pieces of fresh crappie for bait. Stainless steel hooks and braided line last a long time after they are lost in a snag or a fish. Please leave braided line and stainless hooks at home.
Brownlee Reservoir:<br />
Smallmouth action should be hot in cool weather but the fish may be more scattered than they are in the spring. Crappie and catfish anglers can expect to do well through the fall.
Arrowrock Reservoir:<br />
Cooler weather will bring better conditions here, too.
Lucky Peak Reservoir:<br />
Trout fising in the fall is often the best of the year. Fishing from shore with bait or lures can be good now that surface water temperatures are down.
Boise Area Ponds:<br />
Thousands of hatchery rainbow trout have been planted in fishing ponds around the Treasure Valley and in Emmett now that cooler water temperatures allow the trout to thrive. Anglers will also still find warmwater fish including bluegill, bass and catfish in many of these local waters.
Boise River:
Fall is best on the Boise, so be ready for some pretty days on this downtown stream. Flows are down, making wading less tricky.
South Fork of the Boise River and Middle Fork Boise:<br />
Trout will be more active and hungrier this time of year. Hard to beat fall scenery, too. Hoppers should still produce until nights are too cold for them.<br />
C.J. Strike Reservoir
Idaho Power continues construction work on some of its facilities at the reservoir; work that will go on for at least a year in some cases. Anglers will find temporary closures in several areas as work proceeds, so have a little patience. After the work is finished, the area should be an even better place. C.J. Strike Construction Information
Yellow perch - Fishing for yellow perch is poor. Most people wanting perch soon decide to fish for crappie. Very few perch are being caught.
Smallmouth bass - Fishing should be picking up as air and water temps cool.
Rainbows - The hotspots continue to be below the dam near the turbine outlets and from the dam on the lake side near the turbine inlets - just upstream from the cable barrier. Worms fished on the bottom seem to be the best bait.
Crappie - Running on the small side (9-10 inches) but are still providing fast action all over the reservoir. Jig color and fishing depth seem to make little difference. Fish the rocky points and coves in the Snake Arm.
Catfish - The Bruneau Arm is producing a few good cats but the fishing action has been
And remember: a two-pole validation is $43.25 cheaper than a citation.
Snake River:<br />
Catfishing has been outstanding most of the summer and cooler weather does not hurt a bit. Cut bait and worms are both catching fish.
Smallmouth bass - Some lunker bass have been caught below CJ Strike Dam and around Loveridge Bridge this summer. Fishing will pick up in September, dramatically after the first frost.
Sturgeon below CJ Strike Dam - Fishing for the big fellas has been good again lately. Most anglers are using pieces of fresh crappie for bait. Stainless steel hooks and braided line last a long time after they are lost in a snag or a fish. Please leave braided line and stainless hooks at home.
Brownlee Reservoir:<br />
Smallmouth action should be hot in cool weather but the fish may be more scattered than they are in the spring. Crappie and catfish anglers can expect to do well through the fall.
Arrowrock Reservoir:<br />
Cooler weather will bring better conditions here, too.
Lucky Peak Reservoir:<br />
Trout fising in the fall is often the best of the year. Fishing from shore with bait or lures can be good now that surface water temperatures are down.
Boise Area Ponds:<br />
Thousands of hatchery rainbow trout have been planted in fishing ponds around the Treasure Valley and in Emmett now that cooler water temperatures allow the trout to thrive. Anglers will also still find warmwater fish including bluegill, bass and catfish in many of these local waters.