Hook Points - Idaho's Fishing Newsletter

Fishing Reports

CJ Strike: Good fishing reports from last week and even though we have a bit of a cold front moving in, I expect this week will still be a good one. Bass fishing has been good and many different things have been working, you’re not likely to pick something that won’t. That being said, I’d have a tube, fire tiger crankbait, a jerkbait, a chatterbait and a 3.3 Keitech rigged up. Crappie have been caught up close to the banks. Casting lures are working for them - things like the VMC Boot Tail and Curly Tail Spinnerbaits will allow you to cover water quickly. Trolling for trout has been the best way to catch quite a few of them. Jointed Rapalas and Flicker Shads will get bit. From the banks around Black Sands, guys have been catching with Powerbait on Carolina Rigs. Sturgeon fishing below the dam has been ok - better up the Snake River arm of the reservoir. Cut bait like Carp and Suckers will likely get you hooked up.

Boise River: Lots of water in the river…not where I would be fishing right now. Ponds off the river are full and worth a look however!

Brownlee: Water levels are at 2053 and rising. The water is off color but fish are biting. From fishing it myself last week, the fish were a bit spread out and steeper banks close to shallower sandy/gravel areas held the better fish. If you have one if the Idaho Rod and Reel Cipher Custom Purple Jerkbaits - consider yourself lucky as that accounted for most of my fish! However, the IRR Tungsten Finesse Jig, perch/bluegill colored crankbaits, dark colored 3.3 Keitechs and underspins will get bit as well. I also caught some really large crappie up close to steeper banks in 4’ to 8’ of water. Catfishing has been really good and I saw a few bank anglers hook up while I was on the reservoir. Scent will absolutely be critical so bring the stinky stuff…CAREFUL boating as there are VERY LARGE TREES and LOGS in the water!!

Snake River: Still dealing with fluctuating water levels and clarity but fishing for bass and catfish has been good. For the cats, fish in back eddies and behind bridge pilings with cut bait and kool aid dyed chicken or chicken livers. Bass have been biting several things but nothing as consistently as 3.3 Keitechs and the IRR Tungsten Finesse Jigs. Chatterbaits and crankbaits will get the job done as well. Lots of grass in the water! Just come to grips with the fact that you are going to be picking grass off your baits and keep on keepin’ on!

Wilson Springs: Fishing has been a little slow out here and a couple of customers are crediting the construction that is going on near the ponds. Another customer reported a couple of nice catches there over the weekend so at least a few fish are still biting.

Lake Lowell: OPEN for BOATING! Expect the lake to be busy for a bit but there is a lot of water and plenty of room to fish! The Idaho Rod and Reel Tourney Spinnerbaits fish VERY WELL HERE! Especially the black and blue. Chatterbaits, senkos fished on a split shot rig or fished weightless will do well. The Z Man Gobius is a great bait to have in the water right now!! Catfishing is good right now! Nightcrawlers and cut bait…

Lake Cascade: There is open water and folks are starting to fish it from the banks for perch. Kayaks would work as well and probably be a really effective way to fish here right now. I LOVE 2.8 Keitechs for Cascade perch…1/8oz Jig head and a Perch or Sculpin colored Keitech is a tough combo to beat.

Horsethief Reservoir: No report.

Owyhee River: Water has come down a bit but still around 5000cfs…steer clear for now.

Owyhee Reservoir: Lots of water and decent fishing reports. Crappie have been caught fairly close to the banks in 10-15’. Good customer of the shop caught them from off one of the ramps using a small swimbait. Bass reports have been decent. Crankbaits and spinnerbaits in white and chartreuse have been working!

Duck valley: Good reports starting to roll in to the shop as several first timers have been out fishing it. Trolling is good right now and will be for a month or so until the weeds get in the way as it warms up. From the bank, it’s tough to beat powerbait out there…

From the Tribal Website: (Same as last week)

April 3, 2024 –The ice has been clear from the reservoirs for over a month now, and there is practically nothing left over from the last winter blast that blindsided the valley.  Weather has been in accordance with the Spring season, considering how mild the winter has been, but heavy precipitation expected in the forecast lie ahead.

The Billy Shaw reservoir opened to fly fisherman April 1, 2024, with anglers out enjoying the exclusive trophy-trout fly fishing experience from a variety of non-motorized floaters and tubes; the electric-motor only waters are located along the west end of the reservation. Mountain View has been doing really good as well, where anglers are pulling big trout that have grown fat over the winter from dining on a buffet of baitfish and giant water beetles.

Lucky Peak Reservoir: 84% full and rising. Water is off color but reports have been ok. Reports for Arrowrock and Anderson are the same - fish are shallow but spread out all over the place. Top color has been pink.

Arrowrock Reservoir: 80% full and fishing decent. Couple customers got it done in a couple of hours - others are reporting a full days work. Fish are spread out and pink is the common denominator that I keep hearing about. Water is a little murky and be aware of debris. Fish are on top still and Alan with Kokabow warns that you will see fish in 40-50’ but those aren’t the ones that are feeding.

Anderson Ranch: Steady fishing being reported - gonna need to put in the time but decent fish are being caught. They are on top and one customer reported having a really good day on a straight silver holographic dodger from Kokabow. Long lining 80-120’ has been working consistently.

Local Ponds: Same Report as Last Week! Ponds are fishing fair for both trout and bass. You’ll notice the ponds connected to the Boise and Snake to be cloudy but fish will still eat. For bass - throw jigs, chatterbaits and spinnerbaits in darker colors. Idaho Rod and Reel Ambassador Colby has had success with and recommends black and blue. For the trout, if the pond is murky - throw something moving like the Dynamic Lures HD baits or the Luckycraft Pointer 65’s.

Shop News - Upcoming Classes, New Custom Product Drop

• BIG BAITS! I have invited Skyler Talbot to come and speak to us about fishing BIG BAITS! He is a local kayak tournament angler and LOVES to throw the big glides! THIS WILL BE A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR THOSE WANTING TO GET INTO THE BIG BAIT GAME BUT AREN’T SURE HOW T OGET STARTED! Join us May 2nd at the Idaho Rod and Reel Learning Center from 6:30 to 8:30pm. Class is FREE! Registration will be available online.

• Idaho Rod and Reel Link Rods Update! WE HAVE 2 of the Medium Baitcasting Rods LEFT! If you are looking for a really good Chatterbait, Trap, Spinnerbait, Cranking rod - this will be a tough one to beat.

• Spring Salmon class coming very soon!!

• Jordan Rodriguez with Tighlines 208 will be teaching his class “Let’s go Trolling!” April 24, 6-8:30pm - Cost is $60 and includes a STARTER KIT WITH KOKABOW TACKLE! Register online at tightlines208.com

• We will drop a limited run of custom Buzzbaits and Swim Jigs made and tied by Ryan on Thursday. Once they are gone, that’s it!

• Please follow us on our NEW YOUTUBE CHANNEL! We will be uploading new content this week specifically targeting fundamentals of fishing. This channel is designed specifically to help you fish IDAHO!

• Sign up for the Idaho Rod and Reel Good Fish Youth Program is LIVE!! Please visit idahorodandreel.com and select on the Youth Programs tab to sign up! This program is 100% FREE - all expenses are covered by the shop. This program focuses on leadership and self discipline skills that uses fishing and the outdoors as a conduit to deliver the message. Love to have you involved!!

• Please check out the idahorodandreel.com ONLINE STORE! We are adding products daily. Local shipping is very affordable and free on orders over $75.

• Emails for the Good Fish and Good Guppies program going out this week announcing newsletters and events coming up!

• Hey Trout Fishers!! The trout area is an area of the shop that we would really like to improve. If you have bait suggestions, I would LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! [email protected] MIGHT BE A SURPRISE GIFT CARD OR TWO HANDED OUT RANDOMLY FOR SUGGESTIONS!!

• New Idaho Rod and Reel Hats are in Stock!

• YOU HAVE TO TRY THE CHEDDAR JALAPENO SMACKIN SUNFLOWER SEEDS!!

• 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

Lots of new boaters…this is a good one to watch!

Technically Speaking...

How to Cast a Baitcaster

Local and National Fishing News…and other “Stuff”

Here are your Family Fishing Waters - Weather is getting better, get those kids out!!

This was a fun read!

Spawning Bass Fishing

Current Trout Stocking

Crappie and the Spawn

Steelhead/Salmon Update!

This guy is almost unstoppable!

High Water Trout Fishing on the Fly - Tactics APPLY TO LURE FISHING AS WELL!

An oldie but a goodie for Kokanee Trolling

Another great knot to know

New in the Shop

Idaho Rod and Reel Camo and Orange Hat!

Catch Spotlight

Submit your own entry to be featured in Hook Points to: [email protected], Subject: Catch Spotlight

Way to go Zach for TAKING A KIDDO WITH YOU!!

Damon doing Damon things at a local pond!

Jordan and his buddy! Looks like they had a miserable time 🤣 

Josh catching his two FAVORITE fish…Walleye and Smallies…(IYKYK 🤣 )

Will found some good ones!

Kyle with an awesome largemouth!!

Nate found a BUNCH of good ones!

Kekoa and KIDDO are BACK!!

Justin with one on the Idaho Rod and Reel Baby Bass Spinnerbait

David with a great pair of smallies!

Ryker and his boys found a good bag!