Idaho Panhandle Region Fishing Report for September 24
Idaho Department of Fish and Game 09.24.12
This report highlights a few of the best places to fish, what anglers are using and what they are catching. The information is compiled from regional Fish and Game fishery managers, local tackle shops and anglers.
Even as fall starts in earnest, making some sportsmen think more about hunting than fishing, the fishing in the Panhandle is still good. Bluebacks (kokanee) are biting in Lake Coeur d’Alene — ranging between 9 and 12 inches in the north end of the lake. Kokanee season should be good for the next couple of weeks. Chinook are scattered throughout Coeur d’Alene Lake, also. Pike are congregating in bays of Coeur d’Alene and Hayden Lake, finding it difficult to ignore the spinnerbaits that anglers are tempting them with. Bass- smallmouth and largemouth-are getting aggressive as water temperatures cool in several lakes throughout the region. Use rubber patterns or small crankbaits. Crappie fishermen can target Benewah Lake, near the trestle. Use traditional crappie jigs and nibbles.
Anglers are catching lots of lake trout on Priest Lake, either by trolling with downriggers or jigging at 120-180 feet. While most fish are in the 15-22 inch range, there are a few monsters out there.
Rainbow trout have been stocked in several area lakes earlier this month, so anglers should find plenty of action in Fernan, Twin, Round, Kelso, Mirror, Smith, Brush, and Jewell lakes with nightcrawlers or powerbait. Using boats or fishing from the shore; either should be successful.
Fishing on the Coeur d’Alene and St. Joe rivers is excellent this time of year for cutthroat trout, as water temperatures cool back down and the summer crowds are gone.
