Idaho Fishing Report: Here's where the fish are biting near Boise as summer approaches

Fishing season is truly in full swing in southern Idaho. With good weather setting in and more water than we've had in recent years, anglers have plenty of options to choose from. As you plan your next trips, here are some ideas to get you started:

Low

Large reservoirs like Brownlee and CJ Strike fish well for anglers casting crankbaits, jerk baits and other reaction lures. Lake Lowell is full and anglers are catching largemouth by flipping and casting soft plastics around submerged vegetation. The Snake River fishes well for smallmouth, with anglers using topwater baits, jigs, plastics and plugs.

Local ponds hold some of the biggest bass in our area. These fish are smart and take a lot of pressure, but patient anglers can sometimes fool one with a finesse jig, swimbait or drop shot. If you catch a big bass this time of year, handle it carefully and release it so the fish can finish spawning!

Panfish

The crappie bite has been good at CJ Strike with anglers picking up many keeper sized fish. Vertical jigging with small panfish jigs and trolling with jigs or crankbaits are two effective strategies. Expect to fish with people, especially on weekends.

Owyhee Reservoir offers daylight crappie fishing. The fish are smaller than CJ, but so are the crowds. Don't forget your Oregon license.

The ice is gone at Cascade Lake and anglers are catching perch (and smallmouths) on crankbaits, jigs and blade baits. Many local ponds support good populations of bluegill (and sometimes crappie). Micro jigs or a live worm are usually the ticket for bluegills.

Trout/kokanee

Mountain View Reservoir, Duck Valley Preserve, has been fishing well for anglers trolling spoons and dodgers, casting spinners and baits from shore, or fly fishing from a float tube . Horsethief Reservoir near Cascade is a fun place to chase rainbows using bait, flies, spinners or trolling rigs.

Trout are abundant in the Hagerman Valley, where fishing opportunities abound in the Snake River and the state fish hatchery's maze of stocked ponds and streams. Treasure Valley ponds were also filled with thousands of rainbows this spring.

The kokanee bite has been spotty at Lucky Peak, Arrowrock and Anderson Ranch. Anglers pick up fish by trolling in the first 20 feet of water. Fishing should improve as the water clears from all the spring runoff.

The Boise River runs very high – I would focus my efforts elsewhere for now. Have fun and be safe out there. Tight lines!

Jordan Rodriguez has been fishing Idaho waters since he was a teenager. Share your fish stories, adventures and questions with him on [email protected]or visit www.tightlines208.com for the latest local fishing reports and upcoming lesson offerings.