Smallmouth Bass

Even with COVID-19 concerns changing the way we are currently living, working, and recreating, you can still get outside for some fishing adventures this Memorial Day weekend.  Here are a few of Southeast Idaho's fishing fun spots just waiting for you to wet a fly or dunk a worm.  Just remember to follow public health recommendations for social distancing, even when outdoors.  

Dustin Shepherd of Lewiston was fishing Dworshak Reservoir when he caught and released a smallmouth bass measuring fish measured 22.75 inches total length, which was long enough to pass the previous record of 22 inches set by Rick Poedtke in 2018. 

If you plan to get out and enjoy some warm spring weather in pursuit of your favorite fish, please do so responsibly. Maintain plenty of distance from others, don’t congregate at access areas, and show each other plenty of patience at boat ramps and on the water.

J.J. Schillinger of Post Falls landed a new catch-and-release record largemouth bass while competing in the Panhandle Bass Anglers Fall Open tournament on October 19, when he hooked the 25-inch bass in Cave Lake.

If you want to experience the Snake River’s smallmouth fishery, late spring, summer and even the fall provides some fun and exciting fishing — and don’t worry, there are big fish out there, and plenty of them.  

As of October 3, Fish and Game crews transferred 850 smallmouths to the lower Payette River. The goal is to transfer 1,000 smallmouths with the hope that many of these fish will spawn next spring and contribute to rebuilding this important and popular fishery.