BOISE, Idaho — We’re in the dog days of summer, folks. After weeks on end of 100-degree temperatures, going outside doesn’t always sound like a fun time. There are, however, still plenty of fish to be caught, and some creative ways to stay cool while doing it. As you plan your upcoming trips, here are some tips for catching fish and beating the heat:
Alpine Lakes (Trout)
August is a prime month to take advantage of Idaho’s bounty of alpine lakes. The Gem State has more than 3,700 alpine lakes to explore, including lakes you can drive to (a handful), day hikes (hundreds), and backpacking destinations buried deep in the wilderness (hundreds more!). Do some research on Idaho Fish and Game’s website, pick your spot on the map, and choose your own adventure! Most fish in alpine lakes are trout. Cutthroats and rainbows are most common, and some lakes also hold brooks, bulls, goldens, arctic grayling and tiger muskie. My alpine lake tackle essentials include spinners, Rapalas, jigs and flies—namely topwater hopper and ant patterns. I fish ultralight gear (unless I’m targeting muskie), and I always bring a float tube, which allows you to fish the entire lake (often a big advantage, as bank access is tricky at many lakes). Float tube fishing is also a great way to cool off!
C.J. Strike Reservoir (Mixed Bag)
C.J. Strike continues to produce through the summer heat. Bass have been the most active—I caught about 20 during a recent morning session. Topwater plugs, deep diving crankbaits and bottom bouncing jigs were the top producers. I even picked up a big bonus catfish on a crank! Bass fishing at C.J. and other Snake River impounds has been similar throughout the summer—catch rates are high, but you have to sift through a lot of small and medium-sized fish. The big ones are there, though. Panfish action has been fair. Crappie aren’t hard to find, but most of the fish are on the small side. Toss them back and we will have more keeper-sized fish next year and beyond! Perch and bluegill are often mixed in with, or right under, the big crappie schools. For trout and sturgeon, I would fish early in the morning or late in the evening. Troll near the dam with Rapalas, spoons and pop gear for trout.
River Update
The Boise River is still higher than usual for this time of year, but trout fishing has been fair. I’d go armed with Rapalas, spinners, nymph and streamer patterns, or bait. A walk-and-wade trip through town feels great on those 100-degree days…Reports from the Owyhee River have been good for big browns. Bring your Oregon license (required) and an assortment of streamers, hoppers and small nymph patterns. Rapalas, swimbaits and jigs are also useful tools on the Owyhee…Bass fishing continues to be really good on the Snake River. Plan to throw mostly weedless presentations like plastics, Ned Rigs and drop shots. A crankbait or topwater plug is a great bet if you find a clear section of river. Catfishing has been fair—the fish are hanging out in deep eddies and will snarf fresh cut bait and Mormon crickets…If you’re looking to cool off in the mountains, I’ve heard quality reports from anglers targeting rainbows on smaller forks of the Payette River, bull trout and cutthroats on the Salmon, and browns and rainbows on the Wood.
Hang in there, friends. Early fall—and some of the best fishing of the year—is on its way. Tight lines!
Jordan Rodriguez has been fishing Idaho waters for 25 years. 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.
