Warmer weather is upon us and anglers are eager to get out to try their luck around area lakes and rivers. While patrolling area waters, I have seen a large increase in the number of anglers out and about over the past two weeks. Some waters are definitely fishing better than others and here are a few notables to give a try.
COCOLALLA LAKE: Fishing has been good on this lake. Trolling for trout with Rapalas seems to be working well. Anglers are catching rainbow trout in the 12 to 16-inch range along with some nice-sized brown trout over 20 inches. Bass and crappie fishing should be improving with warmer water temperatures.
PEND OREILLE RIVER: Recently some of the best fishing has been along the Pend Oreille River. Anglers fishing around the mouth of Cocolalla Slough and Morton Slough have been catching lots of crappie. Although fishing seems to have slowed somewhat, crappie are still being caught. Simple set ups using crappie jigs and a bobber are working well. While most crappie are running between 6 to 8 inches, some have been approaching 12 inches.
Other species that are fishing well are both large and smallmouth bass. Just a reminder that the Pend Oreille River has a special limit on bass: limit is 6, only two may be largemouth bass, no largemouth bass under 16 inches.
LAKE PEND OREILLE: Reports of success have been coming in from Denton Slough. Pike fishing is picking up with bank fishermen. Most anglers are fishing with smelt for bait but don’t be afraid to try lures such as spoons or spinner baits.
JEWEL LAKE: The lake has been recently stocked and anglers fishing from the dock have been catching limits. Fishing on the bottom with worms and Powerbait have been effective.
All anglers need to be aware of the fishing rules before heading out. Idaho fishing rule books are available at any license vendor and online at https://idfg.idaho.gov/rules/fish.