Hook Points
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Hook Points

Hook Points

Idaho's Fishing Newsletter

Ryan Chris
November 11, 2024

Fishing Reports

CJ Strike: Fishing is still holding up at CJ and plenty of fish are being caught. The day time temps staying in the 50’s is stretching the season out a bit so maybe hold off on putting the boat away for a sec. I’m going to try to tie up a few hand tied crappie jigs as a couple of customers have had some really good success on those. If you are looking for crappie - look for offshore humps. This is somewhat anecdotal but I personally have had better success finding better fish when the school is on the bottom. There’s more to it than that but that should get you a starting point at least. Plenty of fish in the narrows right now - trolling is effective for multi-species action. Ned rigs and worms on drop shot rigs are working for the perch. Bass will be both shallow and deep at some point during the day. I’d have a jerkbait with me and a blade bait for sure!

Boise River: Seeing pictures of catches from the Boise on the regular. Small plastics on drop shots, nightcrawlers on split shot rigs and even soft beads will catch fish right now. Water is low so I try to keep my presentations as subtle as possible. Plenty of fish still willing to chase spinners - maybe give that a try a little later in the day and in the tail outs of deeper pools. If you find yourself struggling, look at downsizing your baits!

Brownlee: Harmful Algae Bloom Warning In Effect. Water is up 2’ from last week - 2054. I fished here personally on Wednesday and caught several decent bass on 3.3 Keitechs, jigs, drop shots and jerkbaits. Bass were grouped up and close to bait and ANY offshore structure or feature. We found fish on both sides of the boat - towards the bank and out in 25’. No need to get there early! Get some breakfast, take your time and then head out - let things warm up a bit. Keep your eyes on the weather and lighting conditions. Windy and overcast is going to feel really cold! Best combo for me is some breeze and mixed sun and clouds. Likely to find some shallow fish like we did with those conditions. Crappie schools were everywhere…especially on inside turns. I’d throw a Keitech 2.8 easy Shiner at em!

Snake River: Fishing well with the occasional really slow day mixed in. On most days, it seems as though the bite window is not an all day thing. Let the temps rise a bit and then spend time in shallow and deep water. If you can find some open water - throw a crank! That can be tough with all the chunks of loose grass floating around but it can be super effective and worth the hassle. SAME WITH A JERKBAIT! I have had multiple good days recently on the Idaho Rod and Reel jerkbaits…if you follow us on social media, you’ve seen the pics! A drop shot, ned rig, 3.3 Keitech and an Idaho Rod and Reel Tungsten Finesse jig with a Zoom UV speed craw trimmed and used as a trailer is a great combo. Sneaky bait…good old fashioned curly tail grub! Catfishing has been a little slow for a few it sounds like. Eddies are the key right now - get out of the main channel and find an eddy.

Wilson Springs: No report

Lake Lowell: Good reports this week from guys throwing Senkos on wacky rigs, IRR Tungsten Finsse jigs around Gotts and Z Man Big TRD’s on Idaho Rod and Reel tungsten EWG hooks!

Motorized and Non-motorized boating are allowed April 15 to September 30. Human-powered boats are allowed 200 yards in front of the Upper and Lower Dams between October 1 and April 14. The rest of the lake is set aside for migrating and wintering wildlife.

Cascade Reservoir: Trout and perch are doing well! Pay attention to the weather but if you get out, THROW THE GHOST SALMO HORNET! Everything is eating it but especially the trout and perch. Bass fishing has been really good for some and tough for others. I’d have a Vision 110+1 Junior, in the perch color and time to get out some blade baits!

Horsethief Reservoir: No report.

Owyhee Reservoir: Crappie fishing has been a little tough for some. If it were me, I’d be looking at downstream sides of points in 10-25’. Trolling Salmo Hornets and Shad Raps are great ways to catch multiple species right now while you are looking for fish on your electronics. Good trout fishing down by the dam using the two baits mentioned in the previous sentence. I personally love purples, whites and browns! If you are looking for bass, grab a deep diving crankbait, a 3/4oz football jig, a jerkbait and a neko rigged 5” Senko!

Owyhee River: No report.

Duck valley: No report.

Lucky Peak Reservoir: Water is on the rise but as of mid week - no ramps open yet.

Arrowrock Reservoir: No report.

Anderson Ranch Reservoir: Kokanee are the main target right now but a Ned rig and a jerkbait will catch a hundred medium sized smallies right now! For the kokes, it’s a Kokabow pink dodger and hoochie for me! Orange and silver being a close second with a white spinner or hoochie.

Local Ponds: No reports this week. What, are ya’ll getting cold or something?! 🤣

Shop News - Link and Imperium Rod Special Offers, Ladies Only Fishing Class this Week!, Jig Contest Postponed, Food Drive, Bulk Tungsten Ordering

We will start our Annual Food Drive in the next week or so!! Updates will be announced on Instagram and Facebook!!
The Link and Imperium rods are moving quickly and already out catching fish!! If you purchase a rod before Christmas, you will receive 10% any reels and the line for free. If you have already purchased a rod, sorry suckaz!! Just kidding - the deal still applies to you 🤣
IMPERIUM! The Imperium Series of rods are meant to be the ultimate in finesse fishing for bass, trout and crappie. Frustrated with the quality of major brand “Finesse” rods, I set out to put the same 40-44 ton blanks we developed for our Link rods, into a series of rods specific for light line fishing. We destroyed 33 blanks during the process of developing these rods!! Totally worth it!
Jig Competition Postponed for Now!! I have too much going on and want to do this right!! Updates will follow…
BULK TUNGSTEN ORDERS! If you are an angler that uses Tungsten as religiously as I do, we will be offering a one time bulk ordering opportunity. We will have an ordering sheet available in the next few days. Get ready for next season and save a ton of money - some items as much as 40% off. If we are able to order enough as a group, on top of the stocking orders for the shop, we can all benefit! ORDER SHEET IS READY! STOP BY THE SHOP OR CONTACT US TO GET YOURS!
6 Daiwa Kage Dry Bags Left!! Purchase a Daiwa Kage Rod and or reel and receive a free Kage Dry Bag!
LADIES ONLY CLASS! Join us November 14th, 6:30 to 8:30pm at the Idaho Rod and Reel Learning Center to learn about “Fishing Local!” where we will learn about common fish in our area, where to find them and how to catch them! Taught by LOCAL ANGLER ASHLEY RICHARDS! Ladies! This is 100% for you! Food, fishing, friends and fun! Sign up online!
Keep an eye out for something new…TACKLE TALK TUESDAYS coming soon!
IN STOCK NOW: Lunker City Hellgies, Lunker City Karate Craw’s, Spro Rk Crawlers, Smithwick Rogue Jerkbaits Arriving this Week, Steelhead Jigs, Aero Floats
Bait and equipment reviews coming…along with some How To’s….
Is there something you’d like to see in the shop? Email me at [email protected]…one random suggestion just might end up winning you a prize.

Worth Watching

Very cool!

Technically Speaking...

Loop Knot! A MUST Know IMO

Local and National Fishing News…and other “Stuff”

If you love the outdoors…

It has been a tough year for wildfires in Southwest Idaho: Here’s how you can help

There will be plenty of volunteer opportunities for wildfire restoration efforts in Southwest Idaho in the coming months. Do you want to help restore what was lost? If so, the first step is letting Fish and Game know you are interested.

idfg.idaho.gov/article/it-has-been-tough-year-wildfires-southwest-idaho-heres-how-you-can-help

Thoughts?!

Current Trout Stocking

Fish Stocking Forecasts

td {width: 33%; max-width: 33%; } This report highlights the monthly fish stocking schedule. Unless noted, fish listed below are all 10 to 12 inch rainbow trout. Stocking of all waters is tentative and dependent on river/lake/pond conditions; dates may change due to weather or staffing constraints. The table below shows schedules for all known forecasted stocking and up to the last month's recent stocking schedules. It may take two weeks for stocking data to appear as Historical stocking information. Your patience is appreciated.

idfg.idaho.gov/d7/fish/stocking/forecasts?rid=3

This is AWESOME!

Steelhead Dam Counts

Steelhead Dam Counts

idfg.idaho.gov/fish/steelhead/dam-counts

Steelhead Updates (article dated incorrectly)

Idaho's Steelhead Update 10/4/2024

idfg.idaho.gov/article/idahos-steelhead-update-1042024

Steelhead returns so far mark the highest annual returns in last 7 years, and could climb

If you’ve been waiting for some of the best news of the year for anglers, hold on to your fishing rods. Idaho’s annual steelhead returns through the month of October are the highest they’ve been in over seven years…and still counting.

idfg.idaho.gov/article/steelhead-returns-so-far-mark-highest-annual-returns-last-7-years-and-could-climb

Upper Salmon River Steelhead Fishing Report (11-05-2024)

idfg.idaho.gov/article/upper-salmon-river-steelhead-fishing-report-11-05-2024

Perch!!

Perch Fishing Tips and Tricks

Perch has to be one of the most underrated freshwater fish. They’re widespread across the country, don’t require much gear, are family-friendly, and taste great, too. However, fish are still fish, and they just don’t jump in the boat, so here are factors to consider before your first, or next, perch...

www.themeateater.com/fish/general/perch-fishing-tips-and-tricks