2026 Dworshak Reservoir Smallmouth Bass Update

2025 Fishery summary

Smallmouth bass fishing on Dworshak Reservoir in 2025 continued to provide anglers with both high catch rates and excellent trophy opportunities. Anglers reported consistent success throughout the reservoir, with strong numbers of fish available across multiple size classes, including quality-sized bass capable of reaching trophy status.

The number of juvenile smallmouth bass (ages 0–4; less than 11 inches) increased in the 2025 electrofishing survey compared to recent years (Figure 1). This increase suggests that environmental conditions have been favorable for spawning success and juvenile survival. Strong recruitment of younger fish is an encouraging sign for the future of the fishery and should help sustain quality angling opportunities in coming years.

Tournament results from 2025 further demonstrated the reservoir's ability to produce trophy-sized bass. Numerous tournaments reported five-fish limits exceeding 20 pounds throughout the season, averaging more than 4 pounds per fish. These results indicate that Dworshak Reservoir continues to support a healthy population of larger bass while also maintaining strong recruitment of younger fish.

2026 Fishery outlook

In 2026 anglers can expect continued opportunities to catch high numbers of smallmouth bass, with the potential for improved trophy fishing as well. The increasing number of juvenile bass observed during electrofishing surveys suggests there is plenty of 10–15-inch fish available to anglers seeking consistent action and high catch rates.

Trophy potential may also improve in 2026. Research conducted by IDFG has shown that growth of smallmouth bass older than age-6 in Dworshak Reservoir is closely linked to kokanee abundance. Surveys conducted in 2025 documented above-average numbers of kokanee fry and subadults, providing a strong forage base for larger bass. As a result, growth rates of adult smallmouth bass are expected to be favorable in 2026, potentially leading to more fish reaching trophy size (≥ 4 pounds).

The relationship between kokanee abundance, smallmouth bass growth, and trophy fishing opportunities remains an active area of research. IDFG will continue monitoring the population to better understand how changes in forage availability influence the quality of the fishery over time.

Harvest & tournament impacts

The role of harvest on Dworshak Reservoir's smallmouth bass population, particularly the trophy component of the fishery, is something IDFG continues to evaluate. Recent data indicate that annual harvest has averaged less than 15% of the adult population, a level that is unlikely to have a substantial effect on overall abundance or trophy fishing opportunities. While current harvest rates do not appear to be limiting the fishery, IDFG will continue monitoring population trends and angler harvest to better understand their long-term effects.

IDFG staff also recently completed a study evaluating the potential effects of bass tournaments on smallmouth bass survival and post-release movements in Dworshak Reservoir. Results showed that all tagged fish survived the weigh-in process, 94% departed the weigh-in site within 25 days, and 67% returned to their original capture area within 60 days. These findings suggest that tournament-caught fish are capable of surviving release, resuming normal movement patterns, and returning to their preferred areas within the reservoir.

Overall, the study found little evidence that tournament activities negatively affect smallmouth bass survival or long-term distribution in Dworshak Reservoir. Combined with relatively low harvest rates and strong recruitment, these results indicate that the fishery remains healthy and continues to provide excellent opportunities for both recreational and tournament anglers.