May can be a magical month for fishing in Idaho. With the ice melted off reservoirs and warm water species switching into their summer feeding mode, there is no shortage of quality water to fish. Here are a few ideas for your next trip:
C.J. Strike Reservoir (Mixed Bag)
It’s variety hour at C.J. Strike. Largemouth and smallmouth bass are abundant, and they are starting to put on the feed bag. At a recent tournament, the big fish winner weighed in at more than 7 pounds! Crankbaits, jigs, soft plastics and spinnerbaits can all be effective lures for bass. Panfish are also thick at C.J. Strike, with anglers catching nice stringers of perch and crappie along with occasional bluegill. Fishing with small jigs in and around the Narrows is usually the ticket. Catfish and sturgeon anglers have also been catching on cut bait in deep holes. And on top of it all, Idaho Power recently stocked 50,000 rainbow trout in the reservoir. Trout anglers often catch fish trolling with spoons or pop gear.
Horsethief Reservoir (Trout)
The ice is off and the trout bite is on at Horsethief Reservoir. Anglers have been catching fish from shore using spinners and bait, while boaters can get in on the action by trolling spoons, spinners, Rapalas and pop gear. Stocked rainbow trout are the most common catch at Horsethief, but the reservoir also holds brown trout and Kokanee salmon. The first weeks after ice-off often provide some of the best fishing of the year.
Duck Valley Reservation (Trout)
Spring is a great time to explore Duck Valley, as football-shaped trout are eagerly cruising in search of an easy meal. Bank, boat and float tube anglers have been catching nice fish at Mountain View and Sheep Creek reservoirs using orange and yellow spoons, worms, spinners and Power Bait. Lake Billy Shaw, which is fly-fishing only, has also been producing for anglers casting chironomids and leech patterns. It costs $18 per day or $100 for the season to fish at Duck Valley, but if big, high-flying rainbow trout are your thing, it’s usually worth the money.
Owyhee River (Trout)
Conditions on the Owyhee remain the most favorable for stream fishermen—it’s high, but with the Boise River blown out and the South Fork closed until Memorial Day weekend, options are limited. Small nymphs remain the most consistent flies for catching rainbow and brown trout, but there are usually opportunities for a baetis or caddis hatch if you time things right. Fishing streamers, Rapalas and spoons can also draw strikes from big, aggressive brown trout. Remember to grab your Oregon license, and to practice catch-and-release on all brown trout (it’s the law!) in this trophy fishery.
Jordan I have my 87 year old father in law coming out from Florida this JULY. I would like him to catch some BIG fish like sturgen, etc….Is it possible,and where do we go? Thanks,Dave
Hi Dave. I have a few options for you to consider:
– There are lots of sturgeon in the Snake River. They require heavy tackle, barbless hooks and a lot of physical work to catch, but you can find them below Swan Falls Dam, C.J. Strike Dam and out in the Glenns Ferry reach if you know where to look.
– I would be happy to take you guys out on a private sturgeon lesson and show you the ropes. Email me if you are interested. We could also do a bass trip, catfish, panfish, etc.
– If you want a virtual guarantee, look up Jim Schwartz out in Parma. He has a private lake and charges about $25 per day to fish it, but it is loaded with sturgeon and people often catch several dozen (or as many as they can reel in before their arms and back give out). He also, I believe, has sturgeon tackle for rent if you don’t have your own.
I hope that helps, and I hope you put your father-in-law on some fish. Tight lines!