January 31, 2008
Winter fishing at our lowland lakes usually means ice fishing. Waha and Mann Lakes are the exception and frequently remain ice free for most of the winter. Most lakes receive generous fall plants of catchable rainbow trout that can lead to some outstanding fishing through the ice.
Please be very careful and double check ice conditions before venturing out.
Dworshak Reservoir is usually down at minimum pool in the winter (about 80 feet down) as federal fish managers tap the reservoir’s cool water in the summer to help juvenile salmon migrate to the ocean and made room for flood control for the next year’s runoff. Kokanee fishing is usually slow in the winter but trout fishing can be very good.
Although bass fishing slows down with the cold water of winter, patient anglers can find some fish. 2007 was another excellent season, with very high interest after at least two smallmouth over nine pounds came from the reservoir in 2006.
Boat ramps at Canyon Creek and Grandad are unusable during the winter, but boaters can still launch at Bruce’s Eddy and Dworshak State Park. Please use extreme caution when launching your boat in the winter, as ice can form on the steep ramps. A good set of tire chains is a must when launching during periods of sub-freezing temperatures. The reservoir above Grandad Bridge is closed to fishing from Nov. 30 to the following Memorial Day weekend.
This information is compiled from regional Fish and Game fishery managers, local tackle shops and anglers and was updated Dec. 27.
Sportsmen's Report sponsored by John and Lorraine Weiland:
Riverside Sport Shop/Sinclair
11320 U.S. Highway 12, Orofino--208-476-5418