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Hook Points, Idaho's Fishing Newsletter

Hook Points, Idaho's Fishing Newsletter

Now we're cooking...

Ryan Chris
May 02, 2023

Fishing Reports

CJ Strike: Crappie fishing has picked up...just look at all the boats in the narrows! Small jigs - I'd highly recommend the Big Bite Baits Swimon. I KNOW it's catching fish. Smallmouth have been eating up cranks and Ned rigs! Sturgeon fishing has been very good...cut bait!

Boise River: Running VERY high! Fishable from the bank in some areas but I would stay out of the water!

Brownlee: Water levels are 2060 at the time of this publication. This opens up all of the ramps. Fishing has been very good for bass and catfish. Bass on crankbaits, ned rigs and drop shots. Catfish on cut bait. Crappie are being caught by the bass guys close to shore on cranks...

Swan Falls - Above the Dam: Bass fishing is really good. Crankbaits, drop shots and tube jigs!

Swan Falls - Below the Dam: Bass fishing has been decent closer to the dam. This area has been getting busier and busier. Finding areas that you have to hike a bit to or getting out in a kayak can put you on less pressured fish.

Wilson Springs: Fishing has been really good. It is a busy place on the weekend! If you'd like to get away from the crowds a little bit - give the trophy pond a try. The Ultralight Heavyweights are STILL catching here. We are placing another order with them this week and will have some awesome new patterns in soon.

Lake Lowell: Fishing is steady. I'd say most anglers are struggling a bit but still catching and a couple are doing really well. Reports of what is working really varies right now. Everything from spinnerbaits to flukes to flipping/pitching baits and frogs. My suggestion is to cover a lot of water and vary the type of structure you are working.

Owyhee River: Fishing well! Try smaller rapalas and Dynamic Lures jerkbaits. Mixes of different insect hatches are happening...PMD's, BWO's and evening Caddis.

Owyhee Reservoir: Bass fishing has been tough but Crappie are biting higher up the reservoir. Try trolling your jigs and baits close to the bank and moving out towards deeper water until you find them. Some reports are of fish in 8-10 feet of water.

Duck valley: From the Reservation website:

Mountain View Reservoir has open water on most fingers of the lake though, there is still ice present towards the center. Similarly, Sheep Creek Reservoir has open water but there is ice present in the center of the lake. Lake Billy Shaw is now open for recreational fishing activities and it's conditions are like that of the other two lakes.

Billy Shaw lake is now OPEN to recreational fishing activities. Currently, it is ice covered with no open water.

Lucky Peak Reservoir: Fish are being caught. It's been spotty but improving and most are finding at least a fish or two. They are on top - give black, purple and dark green a try. Water here is a little warmer than Arrowrock.

Arrowrock Reservoir: Fish are being caught but report is similar to Lucky Peak. See current water levels below. Try fishing shallower - closer to the bank than you normally might. You'll probably at least run into a few more trout this way. Good reports from the bank for trout with powerbait and worms.

Anderson Ranch: Water is cold! Launches are open. Fishing has been tough but dang they are catching some big ones!! Will continue to improve as the temps warm up!

Local Ponds: Really nice bass being caught in the local ponds off the greenbelts and in Caldwell. Lots of different lures working. I'd be throwing Ned rigs, jigs and swimbaits. Bass are spawning in these ponds and some fish are on beds!

Snake River - Catfishing: Good catfish are being caught between Marsing and Homedale on cut bait. I have not heard of much else working...

Shop News - Idaho Rod and Reel Customs Winner Is...

Tackle Box Tuesday is 5/2/23!! These will go SO FAST so if you want one, let me know asap! Only 12 will be available this week. Watch our social media for more info!
Idaho Rod and Reel Customs Giveaway winner of the $100 Mystery Tackle Box is...Kyle Witherspoon! Congrats and thanks for catching fish with our stuff!! There were over 67 entries. WE ARE DOING THIS EVERY MONTH!!
This months Idaho Rod and Reel Customs giveaway prize is...a $20 Gift Card AND a Tungsten Master pack. This includes tungsten worm weights, drop shot weights, ball head jigs and 3 custom tied (by me) Tungsten Football Head jigs. The total value of this package is over $200!
New Idaho Rod and Reel Anniversary hats ARE IN STOCK! Artwork was done by local Idaho Artist, Michael Crane. If this hat doesn't represent Idaho fishing, then I don't know what does! They will be available for $19.99. I plan on having a new hat every year for our Anniversary. Start collecting now :)
We are excited to announce that Idaho Rod and Reel is stocking Bunker Baits. A LOCALLY owned and operated soft plastics and bait company.
Upcoming events include a customer appreciation event, an intermediate level bass class and a lure crafting class! Keep your eyes on our social media for that.

Worth Watching

I love this guy!

Technically Speaking...

How to Rig...like everything!

This is a long video BUT SO GOOD! Hey Crappie guys...check this out!

Local and National Fishing News

Yikes!

Two Boise River access sites closed due to flooding

Idaho Fish and Game has closed the Lansing Lane and Bent Lane Sportsman's Access Sites due to minor flooding and dangerous conditions on the Boise River. The two access sites, located between Star and Middleton, will reopen when water levels recede.

https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/two-boise-river-access-sites-closed-due-flooding

Bluegill are one of my favorites!

Fishing for this month’s Wildlife Express critters might be just what you need to kick off spring

We aren’t the only species hankering for some sun this time of year. Panfish, the subject of April’s Wildlife Express newsletter, tend to be most aggressive as the weather warms back up in spring, which means it’s the perfect opportunity to get outdoors and wet a line.

https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/fishing-months-wildlife-express-critters-might-be-just-what-you-need-kick-spring

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.

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

Walley bite on the Columbia has been good!

Post-Spawn Walleye Strategies - The Fishing Wire

There are plenty of ways to get bit during the post-spawn period, but careful matching of componentry and rigging for each presentation is key

https://thefishingwire.com/post-spawn-walleye-strategies/

Spawning Bass...

The Bass Spawn – Part 2 by Justin Largen - The Bass Cast

In Part I, we covered some general information about spawners, where to look for them, basic behavior, and some tools that you’ll need. Now we’ll jump into the art of catching them. Frankly, some spawning fish – usually the males – are dumb. You can throw just about any bait onto their nest, and they’ll […]

https://thebasscast.com/2023/04/28/the-bass-spawn-part-2-by-justin-largen/