Lowland Lakes and Reservoirs
of North Central Idaho

Lowland lakes and reservoirs provide some of the most popular and heavily used fisheries in Idaho. These areas are generally found close to highways or major roads so they are easy to find, they are open year around, provide easy access to water for both boaters and shore anglers, and have available good to excellent facilities for day use, or in some instances camping. All of this makes for great family fishing opportunities. You might even enjoy some ice fishing during the winter months.

If you are just getting started, here are some tips on equipment and tackle that might help. For general fishing look for a 5' - 5 1/2' light to medium weight rod with a matching reel loaded with 6-10 lbs. line. The rest of the tackle will vary with the type of fishing you plan on doing.

Trout
Though varieties of fish may vary somewhat from area to area, the "bread and butter" fish is the rainbow trout. Where conditions permit, these fish are stocked on a regular basis throughout the season. Fishing for trout is best early in the season, April, May, June, slacking off with the hot July and August weather, and picking up again in September as the water begins to cool. To get set up for trout, use the basic outfit as described above, attach a swivel and a size 8-10 hook, and choose your bait. Baits will vary with location, but worms are always a good bet, you may wish to add a piece of marshmallow to hold the bait up off the bottom. Bobbers also work well to keep your bait at the right level and are good strike indicators for the young angler. Other popular baits are fish eggs, corn or Power Bait. When fishing for warm water fish such as bass and crappie, you will want to use jigs, plugs, or plastic worms. These lures are designed to imitate live prey, so they must be fished actively, casting and retrieving repeatedly. These fish will be found closer to shore near some type of cover such as rocks, plants, stumps or docks.

Catfish
Bullhead catfish are bottom feeders so you will want to bait the hook with worms, and fish the bottom, leaving the bait still. These fish are fairly easy to catch and great eating.

Fly Fishing
Fly fishing from a boat, canoe or tube can be exciting. Early season with nymph patterns and sinking lines, then moving toward more dry fly patterns and floating lines in the middle to later summer when the hatches come on. Specific flies will depend upon the conditions and time of year, and local retailers will be glad to help you choose what's hot.

Ice Fishing
Ice fishing is a great way to extend your fishing opportunities and a great excuse to get out of doors during the long winter. Once the water is safely frozen some simple equipment and warm clothing is about all you need. Again local retailers can point you in to the right jigs, lures and baits. Here's a sample of some of the equipment to get started.