Kokanee "On The Bite" At Dworshak Reservoir

LEWISTON - - A recent Idaho Department of Fish and Game angler survey of Dworshak Reservoir noted that angler success is good, with daily limits of 25 kokanee common. "Kokanee are on the bite right now," said Robert Hand, IDFG fisheries biologist. "They're a little smaller than previous years, but most anglers are real happy." The landlocked salmon are running eight to thirteen inches in length, with most fish being caught between the dam and Dent Bridge at depths of 25 to 40 feet. Anglers continued to catch around the clock, with standard pop-gear working during the day and jigs with glow-in-the-dark hooks effective at night. In addition to kokanee, approximately 100,000 catchable-sized rainbow trout were stocked in Dworshak this spring. "These fish are growing fast and anglers are getting into them too," Hand said. Anglers using rubber jigs also reported catching good numbers of smallmouth bass off the steep, rocky shorelines. The reservoir produced the Idaho State record smallmouth bass in 1982, weighing 7 lbs 5.6 oz. and was 20 3/4 inches in length. Anglers are encouraged to review the fishing regulations before casting a line. Specific information on area waters can be obtained by contacting Fish and Game's Lewiston office at 799-5010.