August 2, 2012
Clearwater Region fishing report
Kokanee fishing on Dworshak reservoir has been fantastic recently. Some
anglers are claiming the fishing is as good as they have ever seen it, with some
reporting catching their daily limit of 25 fat, healthy fish in the 12-13 inch
range.
The best fishing seems to be in the Grandad area and upstream towards the
upper reaches of the reservoir. Anglers fishing downstream, between Grandad are
Dent Bridge, are also catching fish, but fishing seems to be better farther up
the reservoir.
Anglers are reporting catching kokanee in two size ranges: 8 to 9-inch
fish and 12 to 13-inch fish. As summer turns to fall, the larger fish will make
their way out of the reservoir into the rivers and creeks to spawn.
When spawning, Kokanee become very tight lipped and do not take to a
hook. However, the smaller fish will likely be 10 inches by September and will
provide great fishing throughout the fall in the reservoir.
Boat anglers trolling standard flash gear in front of a corn or maggot
baited wedding ring seems to be the ticket. Most fish caught are running
shallow, in the 12 to 20 feet range.
So hook up your boat or find a fishing buddy with a boat and head to
Dworshak. It is a big lake and finding fish can be difficult for beginners, but
don’t be afraid to go to where you see other anglers. Just remember to give them
plenty of space and always use good angler etiquette.
Bass anglers are also reporting catching plenty of smallmouth using
rubber jigs, crankbait and spinnerbaits along the rocky shoreline. Dworshak
holds the Idaho state record for the largest smallmouth bass, a huge 9 lbs-11.5
oz. fish caught by Dan Steigers in 2006. The reservoir has been listed in the
top 100 Lakes for smallmouth fishing by a national magazine.
If you’re looking for big
bass – fish deep. You may not catch as many as you will around the shore, but
the ones you do will be huge. Get your lure down to 20 to 40 feet, even 60 feet
deep-and preferably right on bottom. Use a fast-sinking ¼ to ½ oz. lead jig
dressed in bucktail, rubber, marabou, or nylon. Light lines of about 6 to 8
pound test lets your lure sink quickly, moves naturally, and keeps you in
contact with your jig creeping along in bottom.
The above information is
compiled from regional Fish and Game fishery managers, local tackle shops and
anglers and was updated July 31.