2013-2016 Idaho Kokanee Fishing Reports Quick Links

[SuperD]

It will be less and less likely with the triploids being the new preferred way to plant fish. I don't know if you read more than the second paragraph of the first article but it lists the advantages F&G use to justify that line of thinking. Glad you enjoyed the debate, nothing said was meant to be taken personally. fencing

[crawdad376]

Oh heck,
I have room for all 4, and the set up is nice. however, when fishing with my grand kids, or folks that are not familiar with them, I get really busy. With that in mind, I would rather just cut to 2 downriggers, and stack if i must.

Ok, I just realized that this response was to an ad I had on the classified. So, I guess y'all think I'm a goober huh. Oh well, not the first time for me..t4luil

[Lunddude]

78797880

proof is in the puddin'

If you think that bigger fish in your photo weighed 6 lbs. you are a "FISHERMAN" that's for sure awesomereport

In comparison that would put your 14" kokanee at about 3 lbs. each 101shock1101

[Lunddude]

Lunddude, Check out post #18 on page 1 of this thread. The two larger fish in the pictures are the ones he is referring too. I would guess three and four lbs. respectively. Looks like 18" and 19" in length.

Oh, I'm well aware of the fish he's talking about laugh hyst

[Lunddude]

Went to Anderson last Friday 4-3-15. Started fishing at Lime Creek somewhere near 2:00 and quit at 7:00. Brought home 17 kokanee and 1 chinook. 12-14" on the kokanee and 19" for the chinook which weighed 2.25 pounds on my scale. Pink was good as well as orange. Corn or Gulp maggots on the hooks. A dab of Smelly Jelly Shrimp/Anise seemed to be important as well. Had the rigs stacked at 25 and 35 the whole time with one rod at 45 pulls with a 1 ounce weight. Everything worked. The first 4 fish were on 4 different rods. The chinook was on the weighted rig. Heading up again tomorrow hoping the wind doesn't blow too much.

7882


Sounds more like it, a 19" Chinook that weighed in at 2.25 lbs. Now that I believe 101goodpost101

[terek]

well, next time i will take a pic of the scale. The small one was 3.89 and the big one was 5.15. They were fat and thick, eating well. The koks are still kind of skinny. Length does not dictate weight. Granted most of there weight was guts, but who weighs fish after gutting. Who knows, mabe my digi scale is off. Like I care though, believe what you want. I got to eat the 2" thick fillets nananana

[SuperD]

Do you guys know what the primary bait fish is in Anderson? I'm surprised that you are saying that the Chinook taste good. Most of the folks I know that catch them think they taste like crapola because of the food they eat, unlike ocean salmon.

[terek]

Do you guys know what the primary bait fish is in Anderson? I'm surprised that you are saying that the Chinook taste good. Most of the folks I know that catch them think they taste like crapola because of the food they eat, unlike ocean salmon.

from what i can tell, they eat koke fry. That is the main reason for f&g stocking them, to cut down on the overpopulation of kokanee. It seems to be working. The year before they stocked, the average size of the kokes was 7-8in. This will be the 3rd summer for the chinook, and the average kokanee size we have seen is 13-14 in. In 2013 (the spring they stocked the chinook) they estimated the koke population at over 4 million. And anderson really is not a big reservour. About 17 miles long and mabe a half mile wide. The ones I ate has a slight pinkish hue to the whiter meat, with good fat marbling. And the meat was rather thick compared to the length of the fish. I was rather suprised. A good 2 in thick in the middle on the 19 incher. The meat was pretty hard and flaky compared to kokanees softer meat. I think the next one I get I will steak it out. That is how i prefer cooking salmon, but kokes tend to be too small for it.

[Pauli]

Hey Guys....
I'm down in Africa working for about 3 weeks now and have been watching the site for any news. Seems like Anderson and LP are really heating up these days. Haven't seen much about Arrowrock. Anything happening there? How is the water level?

I should be home in about a week or so...... More than ready to get out on the lake.

Pauli

[Mojo]

Been pretty slow, but the water is still chilly. By the time you get home, it should start picking up...

[microfish]

Over all the years I have been fishing/guiding on the lake, anytime the Corps is letting out water for an extended amount of time, the larger koke's start traveling up the lake. When the dam gets shut off they come back down. Currently most of them are Reed's Cr and above. From what I have experienced, water temp doesn't mean much. That lake down 30' has a pretty stable temp reading year around. What I think happens is when they let water out it creates current. Salmonoids have what is called Positive Riotaxis. When they feel current they swim into it. few years back IDFG tagged some Koke's. They traveled 20 miles in 2 days when the Corps was letting out water. they were netted both times. 1 for tagging and a second for indexing. Idfg was shocked they traveled that much. They aren't going to be overly large this season...... 10" will be a good one.
My advice: Hang in there, they will be back and ready to Play! Good Luck out there and Be Safe!

[stevec]

Think it would be worth putting in at Dent?

[Stripes]

So next weekend the wife and I are going to head up for a couple days, plan on camping on the beach, we'll bring plenty of sharing beer in exchange for tips. Should I plan on 2 hours from South East Boise to Curlew? We'll be in the camo'd jet sled camping out of a white ford van, with a few pups.

[terek]

So next weekend the wife and I are going to head up for a couple days, plan on camping on the beach, we'll bring plenty of sharing beer in exchange for tips. Should I plan on 2 hours from South East Boise to Curlew? We'll be in the camo'd jet sled camping out of a white ford van, with a few pups.

Wish i could make it, but im being forced to move. It takes me 2 hours and 10 min to get there, and I live about 2 min. away from lake lowell. So, depending on driving speed and traffic, you should make it in 1 and a half hours. Its about an hour from the mt home exit

[BoiseBlueback]

Wow! Nice to hear of the turnaround at Anderson, which appears to have been helped by the Chinook! Might have to head up this weekend!

[Trailbob]

Fished Anderson Ranch for the first time, on Th. Fished between Lime Creek and Wood Creek. Caught 5 kokes between 7:30 and 12:30, then the wind and clouds came in and the bite (at least for me) died. We caught all the fish between 15' and about 20', misc gear (pink spoons, bead spinners-- all behind various color dodgers), all tipped with corn (no added scent). Marked quite a few fish around 40', but couldn't get them to bite. One fish was around 17", the others were 13-14" and very healthy looking. I launched at the dam, and it was a very bumpy boat ride back. Next time I'll launch at Curlew.

[JTM]

Hit AR Today, Tried everything water is still cold 48 max temp. Anyhew caught 2 Kokes lot's of trout let them all go 2 Squaw's and a Sucker!! I have never caught a Sucker trolling that was a first for me and he was a big one, thought I had a nice Koke on for a minute.

[JTM]

Ok, ok, ok....in the spirit of good sportsmanship to fellow fisherman.....here's the secret parking spot. Feel free to use it.

That's pretty sneaky, there are several parking spots in your picture. I notice you never identify the true secret one. laugh hyst

[terek]

Fished Anderson Ranch for the first time, on Th. Fished between Lime Creek and Wood Creek. Caught 5 kokes between 7:30 and 12:30, then the wind and clouds came in and the bite (at least for me) died. We caught all the fish between 15' and about 20', misc gear (pink spoons, bead spinners-- all behind various color dodgers), all tipped with corn (no added scent). Marked quite a few fish around 40', but couldn't get them to bite. One fish was around 17", the others were 13-14" and very healthy looking. I launched at the dam, and it was a very bumpy boat ride back. Next time I'll launch at Curlew.

got any pics? I bet the 17 incher was a chonook. kinda curious what was in its belly. Anywhoo sorry about the slow day. Last time we went up for 3 days it was great fishing. although it was hit and miss. like, I went out one morning and caught 2. then went back and ate for a few hours. went back out for an hour and got 12. they were moving around a lot. where a school was hitting good, was gone 3 hours later

[sturgeon8r]

fished today 9 am to 2 pm. landed 2 fish. had 3 other bites. Water is COLD 46-48. Fished 12 to 30 feet. VERY SLOW!

[livingidoutdoors]

fished today 9 am to 2 pm. landed 2 fish. had 3 other bites. Water is COLD 46-48. Fished 12 to 30 feet. VERY SLOW!

We fished from 2-430. Landed on koke and a rainbow. had two other on that we could not land. Do not know the exact depths. Had three lines, one lead line at 6 colors in the water, another with 3oz of weight 85ft behind the boat, and another with 2 oz about 50 ft behind. All different tackle.

[Trailbob]

got any pics? I bet the 17 incher was a chonook. kinda curious what was in its belly. Anywhoo sorry about the slow day. Last time we went up for 3 days it was great fishing. although it was hit and miss. like, I went out one morning and caught 2. then went back and ate for a few hours. went back out for an hour and got 12. they were moving around a lot. where a school was hitting good, was gone 3 hours later

No, we didn't take photos. I thought it might be a chinook, but it looked "identical" to the smaller kokes that we caught (and I'm no fish expert). My buddy kept that fish and said the meat was bright pink, just like the kokes, but I'm still not sure sure it wasn't a chinook. It was the first fish we caught, and I think it was the deepest. Going up for a couple days is the way to go, I look forward to doing it down the road.

[nepetbutler]

Great day at LP . Got many bites longlining a slingblade &pink squid ,Firecorn ,garlic gel. If you smell bacon Wave.

[sturgeon8r]

fished 3 hours today. Windy. 1 fish. water temp is 46. SLOW!

[JTM]

This weather suks!!!! It is not helping us at all...

[terek]

This weather suks!!!! It is not helping us at all...

piece of advice, when its windy at lucky peak, it is usually nice at arrowrock. Worth the extra 20 min. so you can have a fighting chance. Many a time I have hit lucky peak and almost turned around it was so windy. Then, make a jont up to arrowrock, and the water is glass. Something about how the canyon flows up there, the wind is usually low to none.

[sturgeon8r]

piece of advice, when its windy at lucky peak, it is usually nice at arrowrock. Worth the extra 20 min. so you can have a fighting chance. Many a time I have hit lucky peak and almost turned around it was so windy. Then, make a jont up to arrowrock, and the water is glass. Something about how the canyon flows up there, the wind is usually low to none.

No thanks have no desire to drive the middle fork road. So you must be the guy leaving trailer pieces and parts signfishin

[terek]

No thanks have no desire to drive the middle fork road. So you must be the guy leaving trailer pieces and parts signfishin

actually, since they graded the road a month ago, its basically paved. Nice and smooth. Not sure what kind of trailer you got, but mines pretty solid. Never lost a piece when the road sucked. Worth it to me to catch a limit or two and fish on glass

[sturgeon8r]

fished yesterday from 11 to 230 landed LOTS and LOTS of TROUT! 2 kokanee. fished over by Nursery side of the lake. water temp 48.

[Physion]

I fished yesterday going from Spring Shores towards Mack's Creek. 8 trout and 5 kokanee. I kept 2 larger (13-14 inches) trout that swallowed the hooks and 4 kokanee (the other kokanee was small). They were all caught in the top 10 or 15 feet of water. The reservoir received a small planting of rainbow on Mar. 17, so I don't know why we're getting all the rainbow now. Another boat that got out the same time I did had even more rainbow and fewer kokanee. They were fishing near Mack's Creek. Interesting.

[Physion]

fyi, Spring Shores launch area will be used to support the Robie Creek run on Saturday. The upper parking lot was already closed on Thursday. Try launching at the dam if you decide to fish on Saturday.

[sturgeon8r]

I will stay away until Tuesday :) I think they stocked Trout wednesday? Fun and Game shows they will stock next week. 4-5 of the trout we caught were nice and FAT!

[Jwood]

Fished Anderson yesterday. The bite was on from 7:00 to 9:00 (close to lime creek) then pretty much stopped. Fished all day and caught two Chinook and six kokes. Caught the Chinook on Chartreuse and blue and silver Kokabow spinners. Caught to Kokes and a veriety of Kokabow spinners.

[thebug]

remember an easy way to tell the Chinook's is to look in their mouths if it is all black then its a chinook.

[kodiak1]

remember an easy way to tell the Chinook's is to look in their mouths if it is all black then its a chinook.


And if that doesn't work, stick your finger down the mouth; if it tickles, it is a koke; if it comes out bleeding like crazy, it's a Chinook!!

[callelk]

Hi all, new to the four and to Kokanee fishing in general.

Went to LP for the fist time with my new (to me) boat last Monday and mostly tinkered with the boat more than anything. Went again Friday and fished for 1 1/2 hours and picked up three nice Kokanee, two around 12" and one 14" or so. Left the down rigger home and was fishing with pop gear and wedding ring which caught two and the other was on pop gear behind a Deep 6, 50' back with a stop light Tasmanian Devil. Fire corn on both...

[nepetbutler]

My favorite is a slingblade wth pink squid slathered in Mike's koke lotion and purple Firecorn. If you smell bacon , WAVE

[TKH]

Just joined the forum. Four of us brothers are planning a fishing trip this year and have been undecided as to where to go Either Anderson Ranch or Deadwood. (leaning on the first choice.) We will go the week after Memorial Day weekend. Just curious how the Koke fishing is at Anderson Ranch this time of year? Is it best to take the road up towards Featherville or the first road out of Mt Home just before Little Camas? Looking forward to a few days of camping, fishing and just laying back sipping a few beers.
Thanks
Terry

[terek]

either way will get you where you need to go to catch fish. I prefer the second road. Its a little farther to drive, but its a paved road the whole way, so ends up being faster. The first road right before lil camas is dirt once you cross the dam. It can get real rough and dusty. But, some of the camp grounds on that side are a lot nicer (more trees) then on the east side. We have done very well so far this year, and the water has not even warmed up.

[TKH]

Hello, Thanks for the reply. We are practically neighbors I need to update my profile. Live over in Fruitland. Guess I need t o research and see what is the best gear to use. We did pretty good at Lucky Peak using wedding rings and corn. I used a Kokabow and had good luck. We don't have down riggers. Usually use 1.5 oz of weight and let out about 60 feet of line. Looking forward to getting out and fishing. May have to try the fall fishing too. Remember that the worst day of fishing is better the the best day of work.
Terry

[jumperzee]

Boy, things are not looking good. Not sure what to do. We fished Friday and got skunked (again). Put in at Big Eddy, went up to Dicks (nothing), zipped up above Magnus for a few stops and then back to Canyon and Indian. Nothing, nothing, and nothing. Fishfinder was bleak. Looking for help!

Upshot is that it was a gorgeous day and we got to see some new scenery. Drove all the way up Evans Creek till we couldn't any more. Neat to see a large creek flowing into the reservoir like that.

[Stripes]

Went up Saturday, got a late start, fished 10-3 with an hour lunch stop (for the pups mainly). We marked fish at the mouth of Lime, used 8 different set ups, got one hit, no fish to boat. Watched other boats switch over to bass, it appeared the koke bite was off.

[Lunddude]

Went up Saturday, got a late start, fished 10-3 with an hour lunch stop (for the pups mainly). We marked fish at the mouth of Lime, used 8 different set ups, got one hit, no fish to boat. Watched other boats switch over to bass, it appeared the koke bite was off.

Fished Sunday, and yes the bite is off. Ended up catching one 19" Chinook, released to fight another day & 1 kokanee that didn't make it to the boat. Marked very few fish, thought my electronics took a dump on me.

[cgtootall]

How's the debris on the reservoir? Heading up this weekend.

[terek]

try moving down to fall creek. I have noticed when lime gets hit hard buy boats, the fish will move around more. I have done well in front and just upstream from fall creek when lime is slow.

[Pauli]

Fished Arrowrock on Tuesday......Dead Dead Dead. Talked to another fisherman who also got skunked. The weather was nice though...
Average water temperature was 49 degrees.

[jumperzee]

How's the debris on the reservoir? Heading up this weekend.

Not too bad, a few big slicks but manageable. Most was above Dent.

[MackayGuy]

Salmonster......saw you were at LP today. Ok, I recognized the dogs. How'd you do? I got there about 11 and saw you were tied off at one of the docks across from spring shores.....lunch break or dog break. We got a few in the area you were in, then headed to the narrows and nailed em at about 2 o'clock when the wind died off to dead calm. Orange seemed to be the best. They were biting really light. We had to be right on our rod to get em. Not very many boats. Saw a few others with nets out.

Rick

[JTM]

Was up on Friday hooked 5 and 2 made it to the net was still 48 49 degrees. Marked various small schools but all over in depth 25 to 47 feet.

[cgtootall]

Well we didn't fair any better than anybody else. Spent two days up there. Fished cranberry, elk, Indian, and canyon creeks. Looks to me that they're all at the bottom according to the fish finder. Had a couple corn thieves in cranberry creek but that was the only action we got.

Still a great weekend. Kids first time staying in a tent. Hope they pick up soon.

[conservationist]

Marked various small schools but all over in depth 25 to 47 feet.

Care to share how deep you were fishing and what gear? That seems pretty deep for this time of year. But then again, I've been fishing @ 10-15 feet and haven't had great luck other than catching a boat load of rainbows.

[Jwood]

I had good luck on LP yesterday at about twenty to twenty five feet for Kokes but still catch trout at these depths as well (more than I would like). Best luck with Kokabow spinners the gold and black spinner and the purple spinner have been pretty steady but what’s good today may be worthless tomorrow, go figure. Also used Kokabow pink/silver and black/silver blades I bought at Kokanee tackle. I’ve also had good luck with shoepeg corn marinated in Pro Cure Bloody Tune/Garlic. Had several hook up with five Kokes in the boat, I hope they fatten up soon. The LP fish aren’t as nice as fish from Anderson Ranch.

[conservationist]

Decided to run up to LP to make sure the boat would run well before a trip to CJ Strike. Been fishing with Sturgeon8R in his boat all Spring. Put in at Turner's and trolled back and forth in front of dam. Caught 4 nice trout (tossed em back) and one Koke. Graphed a ton of fish at north end of dam ... like JTM reported, down 27-50 feet or so. However, drug everything I could think of through them with not a strike. Koke I caught was on a pink dodger with a green speckled hoochie trailing 10 inches behind at a depth of probably 10-12 feet.

[JTM]

Care to share how deep you were fishing and what gear? That seems pretty deep for this time of year. But then again, I've been fishing @ 10-15 feet and haven't had great luck other than catching a boat load of rainbows.

Be happy to but I didn't really knock them out, anyway I had the best success at 25 feet caught 1 at 15, I tried everything on the deeper ones but they were not playing.
I did best on a green Apex tried Kokabows and pink hoochie and they would not touch it.

[callelk]

Went to LP around 2:30 today. Caught 1 trout on a orange w/silver wedding ring and green pop gear. Released it and changed to orange and white pop gear and caught a tiny kok. Just long lined and left at 5:00.

[Battleship Oakes]

Fished Saturday targeting the big fish. Didn't see much on the finder....a few scattered Kokanee schools between lime creek and fall creek. Landed 1 small chinook and 3 huge squaw fish. Long lined with weight for about 30 minutes for Kokanee while I had my other gear on the downriggers. They were in the way when we hooked the big fish so I gave up on them. Fished 9 to 3. Didn't see any one else catch anything but we only saw a few other boats on the water. Water temp was 49-53 degrees depending on where we were at. Warmer water was above lime creek. Thought I would see more fish on the finder, but hey may be a little closer to shore.

[cromedogg33]

Finally found the fish over by the dam yesterday the 28th. Orange apex with scented fire corn. Most hits came around 10-noon. Ended up with 13 with 3 of us on the boat. Felt like we lost that many as well.

7987

[BigggCountry]

Any idea what the water temp was?

[MackayGuy]

Tuesday mid day surface temp was 51-53 F

And yes, even with these temps the water skiers and jet skis are starting.

[jimbojump]

That's crazy! I fished the dam apparently right before you and we didn't get a hit one...lol. Tried a few more hotspots in my repertoire but no love...finally went up South fork to escape the wind and found some. Only had a couple hours left but ended with six toads. I felt good about the haul considering some guys in a super sweet marroon jet, with all the bells and whistles were leaving when we put in said all they got were three trout.

[Trailbob]

Fished LP yesterday (4/29) with wife and two of her girlfriends. Fished from 10:00 to 3:00 across from Spring Shores and into narrows. Ended up with 4 kokes and three trout, around 13-14". Most caught around 15' deep on bead spinners behind dodger, with lime green the best colored spinner. Good time.

[mrgene]

What are "toads" ????? :confused:

[nepetbutler]

wed am . 11 big trout . only landed 2 nice kokes on pink hoochie, many bites all day long long lining using pink firecorn. if you smell bacon wave

[terek]

Tuesday mid day surface temp was 51-53 F

And yes, even with these temps the water skiers and jet skis are starting.

lol, we went to lake Lowell on the 15th. the bass were not hitting, so went back and got the wakeboard boat. Ended up surfing in 49* water till our feet where numb.
worthy12prioritiesworthy12fishingworthy12surfingwo rthy12

[JTM]

Tuesday mid day surface temp was 51-53 F

And yes, even with these temps the water skiers and jet skis are starting.

Now we are getting somewhere, bring on the warmer water.

[Lunddude]

What are "toads" ????? :confused:

Toads = Big Fish

[JTM]

Went out today, Surface temp was 49 when I started by the time I left it was 53. Can't believe how many Googans are out already on a Friday no less, hey water to cold just drive the boat up and down all day. Anyway it was slow for me brought home 3, marked fish from 15 - 40 caught most at 20 on a Pink wiggle Hoochie.

[MackayGuy]

Can't believe how many Googans are out already on a Friday no less, hey water to cold just drive the boat up and down all day.
Funny! I said almost the same thing to my buddy the other day when we were at LP. I asked how can these guys expect to catch any fish just running back and forth all day? Why is it the Googans think they're doing you a favor by slowing down when they pass you about 50' away.....bow up in the air plowing water like a tug boat......and then wave. Grrrrrr

[jimbojump]

Yep...big...fat...tasty ones...otherwise known as pigs...or footballs...I had a really nice one on that broke off my rigging...would've liked to have boated him...

[mrgene]

Toads = Big Fish

Learn something new every day, thanks thumbsup

[JTM]

The worst part is eveytime I boat a fish they follow me. I took my trusty volt meter out with me to see what is going on, @ 1.5 miles an hour I am putting out .46 of a volt positive. So I am switching over to braided line, Will report back how this works, I plan on running a cable and the braid to see if there is really any difference. However the starboard side of my boat always outfishes 3 to 1. Go figure!!!!!

[HCM23]

JTM, why are you worried about .46v? I measured mine on Thursday and going 1.5 with the weights at 20 feet the starboard DR was .40v and the port DR was at .42v. As I understand it Kokanee like something in the neighborhood of .65v, being under isn't bad but being over could be bad. I fished all day Friday, and had a decent day so I think ok at .4 and .42, please let me know if I'm thinking about it incorrectly.

[JTM]

Not worried at all, I was wanting to switch to braid and the fact that I am only putting out .46 just makes it that much easyer. I was worried I might be attracting with the voltage. Some guys like to be putting out +3 So I feel safe going to braid which put's out no voltage is going to work for me..

[Kokaneeslayer]

On the water by 9 am off at 1. 6 nice kokes and 3 trout. All the Trout hit on a set up no deeper than 10' .. Then we had to go Googan to both dams.Is there Googan permit I need to get to use my boat the way I want to?

[livingidoutdoors]

On the water by 9 am off at 1. 6 nice kokes and 3 trout. All the Trout hit on a set up no deeper than 10' .. Then we had to go Googan to both dams.Is there Googan permit I need to get to use my boat the way I want to?

We spend the morning up around the damn as well. Got there around 9am. Landed 5 decent kokes, all about 14 inches, and 5 decent rainbow. Seemed like everytime we landed on, some boat pulled in right behind us, caught nothing, then left.

[jhmh2ofowl]

Funny! I said almost the same thing to my buddy the other day when we were at LP. I asked how can these guys expect to catch any fish just running back and forth all day? Why is it the Googans think they're doing you a favor by slowing down when they pass you about 50' away.....bow up in the air plowing water like a tug boat......and then wave. Grrrrrr

You said it. I really don't mind when another fisherman passes at 50' trolling along with everyone else, in fact I wave a good luck to them which is almost always reciprocated. We fished at LP from 10-4 and were buzzed by wake boarders and a "few" ski boats. None the less we had a good day today. We caught 7 Kokes all about 13-14" and a handful of Rainbows. Kokes were hitting on an orange squid and a pink/silver wedding ring behind flashers. Trout hit the red wedding rings, also behind flashers. The wife and I had a great day on the lake!

Good Luck and tight lines!

[callelk]

Arrived at LP around 11:30 and fished until 4:30. Stayed in one area and had people come and go on our spot all day with no luck as well. Landed 5 nice Kookes and lost 5 at the boat. Really light bite and they were unhooking themselves in the net. Picked up 6 Rainbows that were good size as well.

Like everyone else, catching them on top, long lining. Guys running down riggers don’t seem to do as well this early in the season. Gave my colored shoe peg and some tips to a guy and his wife that have recently retired and who will be fishing LP all this coming week. Nice people, way better than the wake-board jerks....

[pthept]

I tried the Kokabow pop gear today and it seemed to do all right with the trout but only one Koke on the Osprey in flight gear as it is called. Anyone else using the the Kokabow flashers yet?

[spoons]

Hit LP @ about 1130. Took a bit to find them but then got a bite almost every pass. Only got 3 in the boat but lost a lost a lot. The self setting hooks failed me again...
Wake boat with nobody surfing went by me at about 30 feet away with the stern below the water line... that's the first time I've about had my butt thrown out of my pontoon boat. I did not have time to turn into the wake. Nice afternoon other than a ton of traffic making it difficult to make a safe turn in the narrows. Long line cowbells at 60 feet back did best, a couple hits on down riggers at 15 and 20. Pink hoochie behind doger.

[salmonster]

Salmonster......saw you were at LP today. Ok, I recognized the dogs. How'd you do? I got there about 11 and saw you were tied off at one of the docks across from spring shores.....lunch break or dog break. We got a few in the area you were in, then headed to the narrows and nailed em at about 2 o'clock when the wind died off to dead calm. Orange seemed to be the best. They were biting really light. We had to be right on our rod to get em. Not very many boats. Saw a few others with nets out.

Rick

We were there. Limits have been tough for me to come by the last few weeks. Seems like we can get close but can't quite get there. We are losing a lot of fish/bites and seem to be below 50%. Some operator error, but she doesn't like to be told not to throw them a loop of line when they come of the rigger clips. Two of us only able get 6 good koks to the boat yesterday. Mostly on kokabows and microhoochies between 13 and 22 ft. Seems like the larger flasher blades were producing better than the smaller ones, and sling blades out producing RMT gear. With the increase in boat traffic we may be there less going forward. Almost time to chase springers anyway. Which boat are you in?

[MackayGuy]

We were there. Limits have been tough for me to come by the last few weeks. Seems like we can get close but can't quite get there. We are losing a lot of fish/bites and seem to be below 50%. Some operator error, but she doesn't like to be told not to throw them a loop of line when they come of the rigger clips. Two of us only able get 6 good koks to the boat yesterday. Mostly on kokabows and microhoochies between 13 and 22 ft. Seems like the larger flasher blades were producing better than the smaller ones, and sling blades out producing RMT gear. With the increase in boat traffic we may be there less going forward. Almost time to chase springers anyway. Which boat are you in?

We've been doing about the same on the limits. Bite is light, you have to be on the rod for the hookup. Been doing better on the long lines than the downriggers. I have some heavy silver casting spoons with green and orange fishscale on them I've been using for flash followed by an orange spin n glo with orange faceted beads. That's been the most effective on the long line. I actually have no idea how deep I am with it, but about 100' on the counter back. I'm in a white Lund with a Verado OB on the back. I work an area until the other boats see we're catching and crowd in, then move to where they came from and catch there till they flock to us again. I haven't seen a lot of nets out on other boats so far this year, hopefully they're doing ok and I just haven't seen it. I think it's been tough for everyone in the past couple weeks.

[salmonster]

We've been doing about the same on the limits. Bite is light, you have to be on the rod for the hookup. Been doing better on the long lines than the downriggers. I have some heavy silver casting spoons with green and orange fishscale on them I've been using for flash followed by an orange spin n glo with orange faceted beads. That's been the most effective on the long line. I actually have no idea how deep I am with it, but about 100' on the counter back. I'm in a white Lund with a Verado OB on the back. I work an area until the other boats see we're catching and crowd in, then move to where they came from and catch there till they flock to us again. I haven't seen a lot of nets out on other boats so far this year, hopefully they're doing ok and I just haven't seen it. I think it's been tough for everyone in the past couple weeks.

I was keeping the spin-glo as a secret- its out now- metallic red and green with flash on the wings have been best for us

[salmonster]

I would upload some video- finally got some of 3 and 4 fish on together/short sequence, but do I have to upload it to youtube first?

[Trailbob]

Fished L.P. from 10:00 to 1:30, across from Spring Shores into the narrows. 1 koke at 15' on lime green bead spinner, two trout on trolling fly at about 10'. Koke about 13".

[Salmurai]

Spent the last two days at LP. Kokes kicked my butt. Just call me "On and Gone!" Hooked a dozen or so all on the top lines. Pink Sling blades, pink wiggle hootchies, shoe peg, 1 oz sinker, 100 feet back. The trout seemed to like a green Apex with a green Sling blade. Oh well, NEXT TIME!!!

[MackayGuy]

I was keeping the spin-glo as a secret- its out now- metallic red and green with flash on the wings have been best for us

Oops. Sorry. Secret lure, secret spot, secret parking.....you still have to know how to use it, find it and get em to the bag.

[thebug]

i was thinking got going out tomorrow any recent updates?

[Bison]

Went out yesterday. Started at 1000 and ended around 1400. Three kokes (two 14in and one shy of 16in) as well as a couple trout. Dropping 1oz flashlights a mile and half NE of turners.

[spoons]

That's my spot.

[JTM]

I was keeping the spin-glo as a secret- its out now- metallic red and green with flash on the wings have been best for us

Wait, You guy's know about the Spin-Glo's... Are you kidding all the secrets are out now!!!!!

[sturgeon8r]

They know about the secret parking spot, the scents, spin and glo's and now they are telling where to fish on the open forum page........ WOW what has the page gone to? Before long they will find Panda point and start fishing there

[spoons]

Just no pics of the lucky peak chinook.... please.

[terek]

8012
Just no pics of the lucky peak chinook.... please.

What, like this monster lucky peak chinook?

[JTM]

8012

What, like this monster lucky peak chinook?

Dammit now the word is out....

[spoons]

How deep was that? Did you catch that on herring?

[spoons]

Was it's belly full of baby Kokanee?

[Stripes]

Any luck up below the AR dam? Wanting to try a few new places other than the LP dam and the narrows at the Marina?

[Physion]

I've done most of my fishing this year from Spring Shores up towards Mack's Creek. I have not fished above Mack's Creek. I've caught several limits of kokanee and on some days lots of trout. Unfortunately, I've not been out for over two weeks.

Physion

[Stripes]

Thanks Physion, that's the direction we were going to head out tomorrow.

[Stripes]

Update on LP. Fished from 7:30-12:30 on Sat AM, put 10 kokes in the cooler, lots of fish in the main pool off of Spring Shores Marina, we lost 4 or would have been off the water sooner. Fished between 15'-30'.

[TKH]

How is it looking at Anderson Ranch for fishing? We are planning a 4 day trip May 28 and hoping for a good bite. If the bite is not on I guess the camp fire and beer will be good.

[stevec]

So it's the 14th of May, has anyone had any luck at all??????????

[mrgene]

Good news people, East cleveland Beverage & tackle in Caldwell is now stocking live spikes (maggots).This should inprove our catch rate.

[spoons]

Good news people, East cleveland Beverage & tackle in Caldwell is now stocking live spikes (maggots).This should inprove our catch rate.
I hope that's true. Based on the success I had at Wallowa Lake with maggots, I tried them over here. They did not work nearly as well as the corn did. This was a few years ago, so maybe it'll be better/different now.

[JTM]

Wow sure is quiet in here, I have been to LP twice latley and there are plenty of people out fishing. There is a dam parade heading up to Arrowrock. I my self have been testing out the braid vs SS cable, here is what I have found so far.

I put my best pole on the best side of the boat with my favorite lure result = Nothing not a hit, SS cable side out fished the braid 100 percent.. I tried everything and they don't seem to hit the side with braid.

A few more test and I am switching back to cable, it just simply works. I only changed because I had a bad kink so far my advice stick to SS cable.

[spoons]

Went out yesterday afternoon. Supersoft lips. I think the hard rain all night had something to do with the water and the bite. However we lost a lot more than we got in the boat, very slow bite.
This report is really not too accurate of the current fishing. Overall, it's better fishing out there for kokanee in Lucky Peak and everywhere else than what I experienced on Wednesday.

[nepetbutler]

I long lined tue and landed 12 trout 1 nice koke . Got bites all day long on 1 1/2 oz sinker, slingblade, pink squid wth kokabow stacked on top tipped wth pink firecorn soaked n anise/krill oil. Nothing on dr.

[Stripes]

SS cable on your DR? or as a leader?

[Westwindsraider]

Fished from Macks up to the Dam for 6 hours on the 8th. Pink & White Dodger with pink hoochie tipped with corn soaked in Anise and Garlic produced the only action, 2 rainbows. Saw one guy on a tube who caught 1 kike and 1 rainbow using flies. Everything seemed to be at about 7 - 10 feet on the screen, no real good numbers showing up but that's where they were showing.

[JTM]

SS cable on your DR? or as a leader?

Downrigger, I am giving up as a scientist. Went out today and 95% of the hits came on the braid I GIVE UP. Just going to fish and enjoy it.

[JTM]

Went out yesterday afternoon. Supersoft lips. I think the hard rain all night had something to do with the water and the bite. However we lost a lot more than we got in the boat, very slow bite.
This report is really not too accurate of the current fishing. Overall, it's better fishing out there for kokanee in Lucky Peak and everywhere else than what I experienced on Wednesday.

Was that you trolling Kokanee cove in the toon?

[nepetbutler]

Ss cable. Tried from 10 - 30 ft 1 mph = nothing

[spoons]

Was that you trolling Kokanee cove in the toon?

Yep. That was me.

[sturgeon8r]

Fished for the first time in 2 yrs. WINDY! Not cold. But very windy.
Oh yeah we found the TOADS and tad poles also.

[JTM]

Yep. That was me.

I was in low profile dark grey boat with Yamaha motor and wearing a red shirt, next time I see ya will say howdy!! I ended up with 3 but was doing allot of research.

[JTM]

Ss cable. Tried from 10 - 30 ft 1 mph = nothing

I know this sounds weird but try speeding up, I varied my speed and actually caught more at 1.7.

[spoons]

I was in low profile dark grey boat with Yamaha motor and wearing a red shirt, next time I see ya will say howdy!! I ended up with 3 but was doing allot of research.
Sounds good!

[sturgeon8r]

found some more tadpoles. Take a kid fishing

[Pzak]

Anyone been out on Ranch lately. Interested in heading over in a week or two.

[stev7975]

We're planning to head down friday and stay through the weekend. Either freeman ck or dent. I have not heard much from down there at all. Talked to a friend who nornally fishes it regularly and he has been chasing springers instead (which is probably smart). He fished elk ck a couple times and caught a few but not many. Haven't talked to anyone who has fished it within the last three weeks though.

[stevec]

We're planning to head down friday and stay through the weekend. Either freeman ck or dent. I have not heard much from down there at all. Talked to a friend who nornally fishes it regularly and he has been chasing springers instead (which is probably smart). He fished elk ck a couple times and caught a few but not many. Haven't talked to anyone who has fished it within the last three weeks though.

Heading for Dent Friday for day trip. Have 4 rigs set up with different weights. I only have a 12' aluminum w/8 horse, so I don't use downriggers. Might as well give it try. I will post any results.

[jbruegeman]

Good Luck on your Fishing trips this year at Dworshak Reservior.

Dworshak is not worth going too fish are very small

[JKToons]

Went out this morning for 8:30 - 12. We tried multiple spots but it was very slow and i did not mark very many fish. We had 4 hit and boated one trout. Most disappointed that none of the hits came on the DR I put on last night.

[jbruegeman]

yes, very small fish really not worth fishing

[sturgeon8r]

Yep that is why no one is fishing LP. It sucks.............

[kok-head]

fished 5pm-7pm on 5/22, started at the marina and trolled downstream until we got a school to cooperate, had a dozen or so bites and got 4 good fish to the back of the boat and a few lil ones and all got released, they looked to be around 14-15" fish, nothing caught deeper than 10', most of the bites came during quick acceleration and i did my usual accel. / decel. between 1 and 2mph on the gps, dodgers and hoochies and forgot my corn at home but had some berkley gulp maggots on board and they did the trick

lots of folks are fishing below 10' right now but i had 0 bites below 10', once i brought all the gear up to the surface we started nailing them, good luck everyone

[thebug]

will be out there tomorrow. Look for us in a blue jet boat

[sturgeon8r]

Cabela's Guy says the fishing has been awesome> 50 fish in a day? not sure on size

[livingidoutdoors]

Hit the resevoir from 7-12 is today. Fished around the dam. We landed 7 kokes and 1, trout. Missed 4-5 more. All were about 14 inches, but good and fat.

[stevec]

Heading for Dent Friday for day trip. Have 4 rigs set up with different weights. I only have a 12' aluminum w/8 horse, so I don't use downriggers. Might as well give it try. I will post any results. Got skunked Friday for the first time ever at Dent. Not many boats out. Last day catching springers on Clearwater is probably why.

[Stripes]

We fished Monday from 7:30-12:30, all long-lining shallow (not deeper than 20'), kept 3 bows, 3 kokes, the kokes were all 16+". Caught two more bows but put them back in as they were tiny. Lost four on the fight to the boat.

[cgtootall]

Spent all weekend chasing those buggers, pretty slow. Caught a few kokes and a few rainbows in Dicks creek, all were very small.

[amxerhull]

Sounds like we may have an off-year. ?????? I plan to talk with the Fish and Game Department to see if they can give us any insight.

[snowman]

Fished Tuesday from about 9:00 to 1:00, put in at Spring Shores and went down stream about 1 mile, north side of the reservoir. Took 4 kokanee and 2 trout, lost a few others. They were all shallow about 10 feet, green net wing arrow flasher, green hoochie, with kokanee killer corn was the recipe. Really nice morning on the lake.

[nepetbutler]

Great day . Many big Kokes on slingblade/ pink hoochie/Firecorn long lining. Only landed 1 . 17"

[jbruegeman]

We're planning to head down friday and stay through the weekend. Either freeman ck or dent. I have not heard much from down there at all. Talked to a friend who nornally fishes it regularly and he has been chasing springers instead (which is probably smart). He fished elk ck a couple times and caught a few but not many. Haven't talked to anyone who has fished it within the last three weeks though.

Went myself on Sunday such a nice day, must have gotten lucky we caught 50 down low by the dam nothing up high at all caught 1 nice rainbow 24 inches

[jbruegeman]

Boy, things are not looking good. Not sure what to do. We fished Friday and got skunked (again). Put in at Big Eddy, went up to Dicks (nothing), zipped up above Magnus for a few stops and then back to Canyon and Indian. Nothing, nothing, and nothing. Fishfinder was bleak. Looking for help!

Upshot is that it was a gorgeous day and we got to see some new scenery. Drove all the way up Evans Creek till we couldn't any more. Neat to see a large creek flowing into the reservoir like that.

Been up twice this week fished no more than 4 hrs. got limit of 25 and 50 I found the answer people are fishing too deep go 3 oz. and back reel 14 times you will nail them

[GrimReaper]

Anyone using a hand held GPS on their boat they like/recommend?

I'm not looking for something that offers highly detailed water depth/structure, just want to be able to mark way point when locate school of fishing trolling to get back on them, and maybe use on cascade for ice fishing so I can return to spots that produced fish on past trips.


Thanks,
John

[callelk]

Garmin Etrex 20 referb'd or Etrex Vista and you can add Garmin Inland Lakes software if you want at any time.

[riverrunner16]

I use my cellphone or tablet, there are some topo map apps that you can install and download files for where you are going, save to to device and use offline.

[callelk]

I use my cellphone or tablet, there are some topo map apps that you can install and download files for where you are going, save to to device and use offline.

Unfortunately, I have ATT and it does not work at LP where a GPS works wherever there is open sky (like a lake:))

[conservationist]

The GPS on your phone should work regardless of service or not. I have verizon and have no service there, but the GPS works fine. You just need to upload the maps BEFORE you go.

[callelk]

The GPS on your phone should work regardless of service or not. I have verizon and have no service there, but the GPS works fine. You just need to upload the maps BEFORE you go.

True, I was thinking of my old iPhone. Without A-GPS, WiFi or cell towers it could not place me in the right city.

In reality, I have used GPS units since the early days and as an Orienteering enthusiast with both map and compass and map-quality GPS verification units I am probably a little Jaded.

[callelk]

Not sure how many use this service but it helps me.

http://webapp.navionics.com/?lang=en#@10&key=cxyhGdaacU

[stev7975]

Glad someone has figured it out. We fished three days at Grandad last weekend and never caught one over 8 inches long. IDFG bio was doing creel surveys at the ramp and said he has logged one 11" fish this year but all the others were 6-8". Pretty sad. It would help if we put 50 a day in the cooler but still hard to justify the effort for sardines...

[JTM]

I'll probably get flamed for this but here goes, I have a GPS on my cellphone, I also have a Garmin Oregon 550t and a GPS on my fish finder. I love either my fish finder or hand held don't care for the cellphone GPS and the fish finder GPS is not very accurate for speed. I would never be without my hand held on my boat just saying. Any Garmin you will love just buy as much as you need.

[callelk]

I guess its what you like and are accustomed to/feel comfortable with. My son uses his iPhone 6 and would not use a car or handheld GPS at gunpoint. Me, I run my handheld along with the GPS on my Lowrance Elite and trust the handheld more. Phone, forgetaboutiit.....but that's just me....

[JTM]

I guess its what you like and are accustomed to/feel comfortable with. My son uses his iPhone 6 and would not use a car or handheld GPS at gunpoint. Me, I run my handheld along with the GPS on my Lowrance Elite and trust the handheld more. Phone, forgetaboutiit.....but that's just me....

I trust my handheld more as well, I have never seen a Phone keep up with my handheld but am always open to learning. I also don't like having to load up the map before you go what? No thanks.. thumbsup

[KokaneeJoe]

will be out there tomorrow. Look for us in a blue jet boat
Did you do any good? I am going later today.

[KokaneeJoe]

Hope the bite is on. We are heading up today. Look for me in a 1972 Green Tri-hull.
Will post a report when we return Monday.
101ok101

[callelk]

Anyway, getting out of the weeds...

Going to LP this am and will probably fish the dam and from sheep creek east. Anyone know the water temp?

[mowrus]

59 -60.. caught 7 yesterday around the dam longlining

[kok-head]

caught a bunch of these on 5/30, 19' and 22' on the riggers, started at first light and for about 2hrs couldn't buy a bite but then the sun started hitting the water and the bite turned on


8077

[sturgeon8r]

Fished Arrowrock 6 am to 7 am. Left without a bite. Got onto LP around 730 or so. By noon we hooked 14 kokes. 1 trout.
water temp 63.5
all fish were in less than 15 feet. Pink colors. did not matter as long as it was pink. Longlines 3/4 oz lead 55 feet back of boat. DR' set at 14 feet. 18 feet behind boat. Corn with Anise.
No big schools but every turn produced fish. We turned alot............ HA
LP is starting get out there before the skiers do.
caught fish from Spring shores to Nursery on the more's creek side.

[jbruegeman]

Glad someone has figured it out. We fished three days at Grandad last weekend and never caught one over 8 inches long. IDFG bio was doing creel surveys at the ramp and said he has logged one 11" fish this year but all the others were 6-8". Pretty sad. It would help if we put 50 a day in the cooler but still hard to justify the effort for sardines...

Went up again Sunday a little harder caught 30 but had to work for them. The size about the same

[metalheadgene]

Lost the cowling to my 15 HP Honda last saturday. Several folks on the lake told me they saw it on the bridge that crosses the Boise river (Highway 21). When we left and drove across around 1pm it appears that someone already picked it up. If you did I would be grateful if you shot me a PM.

Thanks in advance.

[metalheadgene]

Lost the cowling to my 15 HP Honda last saturday. Several folks on the lake told me they saw it on the bridge that crosses the Boise river (Highway 21). When we left and drove across around 1pm it appears that someone already picked it up. If you did I would be grateful if you shot me a PM.

Thanks in advance

[conservationist]

How come no one posts anything here on how the fishing is. We were up there a week ago.... caught one very nice trout, two Kokes and talked to and saw several limits caught by others. Nobody wants to share? We fished hard but didn't have very good luck.

[MackayGuy]

How come no one posts anything here on how the fishing is. We were up there a week ago.... caught one very nice trout, two Kokes and talked to and saw several limits caught by others. Nobody wants to share? We fished hard but didn't have very good luck.

Some people don't need or want the attention brought to their fishing places, others do. With the ease of the Internet, 9000 people read it's good fishing.....9000 people show up and it's no longer good fishing, it's a zoo. You said you talked to others who caught limits.....surely they shared info on their limit catching lure/bait/depth/technique.....maybe at
least got a peek at their gear?
No offense intended here. A lot of folks who do well and catch the record fish spend a lot of time on the water perfecting their knowledge and technique and may not be willing to share hard earned info with a walk on. Others will. I don't mind showing people how to fish a specific water, but I never share it all.

[conservationist]

Seems pretty silly then to have a "forum" for fishing particular waters. But I do agree that if you advertise that "favorite" spot, lots of folks may show up. Seems like a real conflict. And no, I didn't get a chance to talk to the folks about what they used. The ramp was a bit "busy" while taking out so I loaded up and moved out of the way. Wife talked to a few while I waited my turn to back down the trailer, but she didn't ask the "how" question.

I do find it interesting though that the folk who fish LP are much more "open" about the fishing.

[jimbojump]

Lol...there are noooo good kokes in Arrowrock...the fishing there is aweful...don't waste a trip up that raggetty washboard road...stay on LP...its awesome! Wink wink

[jimbojump]

I honestly wish that LP was designated for all recreational boating and Arrowrock was limited to fishing only...greedy guy that I must sound like...I just get sick of getting bounced all around by wakeboarders looking for calm water to churn up and ruin...it gets old. I wish calmer more isolated lakes were closer...I'd go there. Unrealistic maybe...but a guy can dream right?

[sturgeon8r]

WOW Jimbo? that this tread is pretty silly and you are right unrealistic. We have and they have just as much right to be on any lake. I personally leave at 4 to 5 am to be done before noon. I have found as it gets warmer fishing slows by 11-12. or we have our limits. image what will happened when they pave the road up to launch. Never happen..... But still.

[thebug]

fishing was great. we could have had 2 easy limits but neither Duane or i really wanted to keep that many fish we did end up keeping 30 fish but we threw back a good number. in the morning 1/2 oz lead in-front of a 4/.0 dodger with a green hoochie with a Colorado blade in front of it produced the most fish. as the day wore on pink or orange worked the best for us. size was 14-17 inches. the chinook seem to have all disappeared the places we were consistently catching them were not holding any. the resivor ahs also come way up there is only 20 ft of bank left which i felt was encouraging. all this stupid rain seems to be doing some good

[TKH]

Went up May 28 for three days of fishing. We landed 31 between 15 and 18 inches. Using Ford Fenders and wedding rings with corn. We lost several right at the boat. My net is short and learned real fast I need a longer net to get them. Others using down riggers were doing much better. Fish moved to deeper water in the late morning.There were a lot at the north end near Pine but in the late afternoon they were gone. Great weather but getting warm fast up there. We camped just south of the air strip in near the ramp there. Not many camping sites in that area. This was our first trip up there and will not be the last.
Terry

[terek]

true, we all have the right to be there. But, no one has the "right" to fly by you at 35 mph when you are doing 2. Especially when they are 20 feet away from you with a half mile of open lake on the other side. People need to pay attention more and be more thoughtful. There is no reason for a lot of the stuff people do in boats.

[terek]

8084

Hit up arrowrock last fri. Got to the fishing spot around 11am, and had my limit by 1pm. Great fishing and very few squaws. The size seems to be getting better. My first fish was a dink, but the other 5 were over 17in. one was almost 20.

And I WILL share a bit of info, as I have found there are plenty of fish, and I tend to do better away from the crowd. They always seem to migrate over to me, but I just move to another isolated spot and start to slay them again. Orange has been really good, but all they wanted was green on fri. Pink has been producing squat. 20 foot deep, 40 foot set back. spin n glows seemed to be the ticket, but the old timer I talked to was doing good with apexs

[callelk]

I agree with trek. I am in a small boat trolling and someone goes out of their way to see what I am doing, at full speed, at 10 feet away. Better yet the fool that goes out of their way to show off how big a wake they can make for the fat slob surfing behind their boat and then cuts right in front of you.

I don't wish ill on any one but Saturday when some "boater" ripped his outdrive off pulling his boat out of the water after pulling in front of me when I was going to get my trailer, well, that was funny as.....well, any $5,000.00 bo-bo!

[jimbojump]

Well guys...it all might change drastically if they go through with their plans to build either a new dam, or raise the existing one 120 feet....the need more water so...imagine what Arrowrock would look and fish like if your boat was 120' above your head? New roads...new ramps...miles of new shoreline to fish...
Now, I would think it'll probably never happen... But with the drought sitch in other states who knows.
As far as for wakeboarders...I'd personally like to see their boats on my sonar...at the bottom of the lake...lol..their idiotic buffoonery knows no bounds....some consideration and common sense would go a long way....

[metalheadgene]

I agree with trek. I am in a small boat trolling and someone goes out of their way to see what I am doing, at full speed, at 10 feet away. Better yet the fool that goes out of their way to show off how big a wake they can make for the fat slob surfing behind their boat and then cuts right in front of you.

I don't wish ill on any one but Saturday when some "boater" ripped his outdrive off pulling his boat out of the water after pulling in front of me when I was going to get my trailer, well, that was funny as.....well, any $5,000.00 bo-bo! Unfortunately as the population in our area grow's, the water maggot population will grow with it. The lack of common courtesy boggles the mind but not sure what to do about it with out breaking any laws.

On a more positve note, I am glad to hear some folks are getting limits. I cannot seem to get past 4 or 5 before it shuts off totally by 11 or noon.

[jimbojump]

I read a very thorough report recently from fish and game from that Bull Trout census they did in 2011...there was a TON of fascinating info in that report..you guys should take some time to read it. One interesting bit of info was that they killed...get this...11,000 pounds of suckers...3300 pounds of squaws...pounds...this is why we haven't been pounded by the squaws since then...third largest pop of fish in Arrowrock...was perch...that's right...perch...largest small mouth caught was 22" long...pig! Anyway...great read if you're interested.

[conservationist]

First, I gotta say I'm glad I spoke up ... got some conversation going in the Arrowrock forum. Second, thanks Terek for some tips. They are appreciated. I also dislike LP after about 10 AM due to the inconsiderate boaters. And I hate heading out at 5 AM! Being retired helps as I can fish mid week. I'm new to fishing Arrowrock. I've always avoided the road. When I started to chase Kokes 3 years ago, I got some great help and advice on the LP forum. I sort of expected the same on this forum. And I'm not saying folks here won't share .... just found it interesting that there had been no posts since about April and the boat ramp parking's been full all of May!

One last thing .... I am amazed at the size of the Kokes in Arrowrock compared to LP.

Be safe!

[DRM]

Not sure if this was posted or spoke about already but was reading the F & G site, looks like we get 5000 more 13 to 14 inch Chinook this month put into Anderson. thumbsup

[jimbojump]

I don't mind throwing out info...I'm just being sarcastic...I haven't been up there in a couple weeks so I have little to offer...just this...head straight across from boat ramp...bear right towards the dam...fish the bay or mouth by the little cove in the back...if that doesn't work...try a few laps around the dam bowl...if that fails...shoot east to the sharp bend...try there...then head on back past that bend to the next big river mouth on the right...try there...keep in mind that kokes prefer water around 52 degrees...so try to guess based on surface temps how far down that would be...and target that depth. If surface is 60...they'll be above 20'...when surface hits 70...drop to 25-30'...vary your speed between .90 and 1.8 mph...occasionally make sharp turns back and forth slowly like "S" turns and watch for bites...if they bite during a turn...on the outside of turn...your straight speed may be a bit slow...if they bite on the inside of the turn...your straight speed is too fast...make small changes always..not radical ones...a little shallower...a bit deeper...sooner or later you'll find them more consistently...hope this helps you brother... Jim

[jimbojump]

Oh..lol...change colors and dodger sizes now and then til you find what works best...I typically run three rods of different stuff...one fish does not make a pattern...but if you get 4 out of five on one particular setup...switch em all to that one...good luck!

[sturgeon8r]

I agree with trek. I am in a small boat trolling and someone goes out of their way to see what I am doing, at full speed, at 10 feet away. Better yet the fool that goes out of their way to show off how big a wake they can make for the fat slob surfing behind their boat and then cuts right in front of you.

I don't wish ill on any one but Saturday when some "boater" ripped his outdrive off pulling his boat out of the water after pulling in front of me when I was going to get my trailer, well, that was funny as.....well, any $5,000.00 bo-bo!

I can't believe anyone would think ripping a outdrive off a boat is any kind of funny or humorous. I own a jet boat and use both LP and Arrowrock. I see fisherman PLOWING the the water thinking they are doing people a favor. when in fact they are worse then going by 35. I do agree you need to keep your distance. I see fishing boat go blasting by at 35?
We all have a right to share the lakes and be respectful of other humans. Oh wait........ we laugh and think it funny when bad things happen to others.
I to also avoid the lakes during the week-ends. But some friends don't have the weekdays off and we have to deal with people who have zero respect.
They are Selfish and self centered.
Did the gentleman ever find his motor cover? I saw lots of people say they saw it. I saw him at the lake that morning. I felt bad for him. I can't speak for the rest of you. But 10 out of 10 time when I see someone in trouble I stop and ask if they need help. not drive by and laugh.
Have a great summer and catch LOTS of fish. My fishing for the season is done because of work. But I will tell you. I would be up there at 5 am and fish until limits or noon and go home and take a nap :) That way the skiers can have there fun and I don't have to sit in 90 degree weather........

[jimbojump]

I don't think anyone finds real joy in seeing a piece wrecked up...but sometimes you gotta scratch your head in bewilderment... Last year we were heading in on Arrowrock from fishing as a squall came up outta nowhere...we got in and trailered just in time but there was one boat still out in it...we waited a bit just in case and sure enough they rounded the bend heading in...the swells hit whitecaps at three feet...pounding into shore on the north side ramp...when the guys pulled up in this gorgeous red Lund I yelled out to them to through me their keys and I'd bring their truck down for them...the intent was to save the boat getting hammered...well...they declined my offer...which I understand...don't want some guy you don't know in your rig...but needless to say it went south quickly for them...the boat got slammed repeatedly on the rocks and the outboard got pounded six ways to Sunday...we had to go into the surf to help them lift it off the bank to get out and on the trailer...
It just sucks...cuz really I could have spared them a lot of misery had they given me the keys...just sayin

[Lunddude]

Says 5000 4" Fall Chinook on F&G website

[MaGoo]

Had a knee replacement in February, and finely got the boat in the water yesterday at LP. Only two or three boats on the water early. By 10:00 about twenty were on the water. Pick up only two, small, and medium koke. We left about noon with bad gimbal bearing. I want to be back out a soon as the repair is made. I only fish week on days, how many boats are on the water at Arrowrock on week days. Has the road been graded this year?

[metalheadgene]

I cannot tell you if the road has been graded or not this year but last saturday it was not too bad. Not great but i have seen it much worse. There were about 10 boats or so in the confluence and another 20 or so working the stretch across from the ramp. By the time we left which was only 1pm it was full on boat ramp follies with everything you can imagine to include folks covering their boat at the ramp, people covering thier boat at the top of ramp blocking others from backing down, which in turn backed up traffic on the main road, to one dude with a big fibergalss cruiser needing 3 people in the water to guide his boat on the trailer.....

[ImprovePhotography]

Heading up. Where's the action? The dam end or the far end?

[MaGoo]

I an too damn old, to deal with selfish, ignorant, idiot people any more. It is surprising someone does not get into a fight. It is hard to believe that someone would tarp a boat and/ or prep a boat to launch on a ramp. That ramp is not the best ramp around. I can launch okay, but my trailer and boat are not easy to get out of the water. But you were their on a Saturday. That is why I try to stay off any water on weekends. I wonder if it is better on weekdays?

[metalheadgene]

I can't believe anyone would think ripping a outdrive off a boat is any kind of funny or humorous. I own a jet boat and use both LP and Arrowrock. I see fisherman PLOWING the the water thinking they are doing people a favor. when in fact they are worse then going by 35. I do agree you need to keep your distance. I see fishing boat go blasting by at 35?
We all have a right to share the lakes and be respectful of other humans. Oh wait........ we laugh and think it funny when bad things happen to others.
I to also avoid the lakes during the week-ends. But some friends don't have the weekdays off and we have to deal with people who have zero respect.
They are Selfish and self centered.
Did the gentleman ever find his motor cover? I saw lots of people say they saw it. I saw him at the lake that morning. I felt bad for him. I can't speak for the rest of you. But 10 out of 10 time when I see someone in trouble I stop and ask if they need help. not drive by and laugh.
Have a great summer and catch LOTS of fish. My fishing for the season is done because of work. But I will tell you. I would be up there at 5 am and fish until limits or noon and go home and take a nap :) That way the skiers can have there fun and I don't have to sit in 90 degree weather........

Thanks for asking about my Cowling. It was a no go. Your right, many kind folks told me exactly where they saw it but bu the time we pulled out and headed home it was gone. My Dad even took a drive the next day. Oh well, that's the way it goes. A $1.82 ring had to of failed, allowing the pin (.85)for the buckle assembly to come out ($8.00) which allowed the Cowling to fly off ($240.00) I agree it is always best to try and help those in need and even those who may be new to boating and are struggling at the ramps or dont know the etiquette. The ones I dealt with at the ramp last week knew better but just didnt care.

[bayhorse]

We last were there on Memorial Day and we limited by 2:00 and were in sight of the dam and ramp the whole day.
A friend went Saturday and went to fall creek and did well. Hope that helps Good Luck!

[callelk]

I can't believe anyone would think ripping a outdrive off a boat is any kind of funny or humorous.

I think you missed it or I did not put it correctly, sorry, my point was there is no funny $5,000.00 bo-bo.

That said, I try to be polite and when I fish by myself, I leave my boat far enough back to allow someone to launch while I retrieve my vehicle. But my politeness ENDS when some douche sees me backing down the ramp and then pulls in front of my boat.

[callelk]

Unfortunately as the population in our area grow's, the water maggot population will grow with it. The lack of common courtesy boggles the mind but not sure what to do about it with out breaking any laws.

On a more positve note, I am glad to hear some folks are getting limits. I cannot seem to get past 4 or 5 before it shuts off totally by 11 or noon.

1st good weekend, beer, heat/humidity and heavy boats...don't expect the best from some people.

[MaGoo]

I agree with trek. I am in a small boat trolling and someone goes out of their way to see what I am doing, at full speed, at 10 feet away. Better yet the fool that goes out of their way to show off how big a wake they can make for the fat slob surfing behind their boat and then cuts right in front of you.

I don't wish ill on any one but Saturday when some "boater" ripped his outdrive off pulling his boat out of the water after pulling in front of me when I was going to get my trailer, well, that was funny as.....well, any $5,000.00 bo-bo!

I agree with callelk. I fish by my self most of the time. My 18' I.O. is not easy to load by my self at Arrowrock. When someone does what this person did, all I can say is what comes around goes a round. Maybe if he was not such in a big hurry it may not have happened. No 5,000.00 dollar bo-bo is not funny, but I do get very tired of the “me first” people today

[sturgeon8r]

fished 530 am to 1030 am hooked 25 fish. pink, orange also made up some spin and glos 2 hooks 2 orange beads. pink and orange spin n glo and 1 more bead. made a straight pink one. Caught all our fish from Spring shores up. Stayed right out in the middle. 12-14 foot. all morning long. graphed lots of fish in 10-15 foot water. landed 3 trout. 3 of the kokes were small 6-8 inches. let them go. long lining seemed to work the best at first light. then the DR's started up
Caught 2 fish on maggots but all others were on straight shoepeg from the can
Enjoy

[JTM]

caught a bunch of these on 5/30, 19' and 22' on the riggers, started at first light and for about 2hrs couldn't buy a bite but then the sun started hitting the water and the bite turned on


8077

I think the Kokes like to sleep in, I never kill them in the morn. Maybe it is just me and my style?

[callelk]

Launched at 7, home by 11. Like kok-head, 15-17" fish, kept 4, tossed 1 little one (7-8") and lost 4. I tried every color but orange on my second rod and did not git a single hit......Orange with silver blades continue to be the only color that I can catch fish with.

[sawtooth]

Took my neighbor and his three year old daughter out yesterday. She had a great time showing up her dad as she landed six kokes and only lost one at the boat, while he lost his first four before finally landing two. Started fishing at 7:30 and cut the trip short and off the water by 11am (got to keep it interesting for the newbies). Fishing was pretty consistent through out the trip with most fish in the top 10 feet until 10am. Then had to move down to 10-15 feet on the riggers to keep the bite going. Brought home 8 kokes and two trout (she just didn't want to let the trout go) and had a great time.

[TwoLabs]

Launched at 7, home by 11. Like kok-head, 15-17" fish, kept 4, tossed 1 little one (7-8") and lost 4. I tried every color but orange on my second rod and did not git a single hit......Orange with silver blades continue to be the only color that I can catch fish with.

Fished Saturday and we caught a limit (12)of fish averaging 15". The question is that I have an old pole (40+ years) that has a 4' steel rod and a massive fish reel with lead line over 20 years old. I keep threatening to throw it away but it always catches the fish. Saturday this pole landed 9 of the 12 fish we got. Had 4-1 more bites and when fished against an identical new pole with leaded line at the same depth and set up it outfished that pole 100%. We never had a bite. Fished with downriggers and caught the other 3 and 2 trout. This pole has always outfished anything else I have from Stanley Lake to Anderson Ranch.

Does anyone have any ideas.

[TwoLabs]

We also used a hand held GPS and tried to mark our bites. Fished for 2 hours without a fish but finally caught one and began retracing the route. Pretty soon we had a space of about 30 yards that we hooked fish everytime through. The graph on my GPS was like totally "blacked out" by the end of the day in that "hot" stretch. I will always take it from now on.

[MackayGuy]

...Does anyone have any ideas.

Sure....here's an idea 101idea101....if that rod works, use it. If a broomstick with a piece of string and a bent nail caught most of the fish I be using it. Maybe I misunderstood the question.

[callelk]

Fished Saturday and we caught a limit (12)of fish averaging 15". The question is that I have an old pole (40+ years) that has a 4' steel rod and a massive fish reel with lead line over 20 years old. I keep threatening to throw it away but it always catches the fish. Saturday this pole landed 9 of the 12 fish we got. Had 4-1 more bites and when fished against an identical new pole with leaded line at the same depth and set up it outfished that pole 100%. We never had a bite. Fished with downriggers and caught the other 3 and 2 trout. This pole has always outfished anything else I have from Stanley Lake to Anderson Ranch.

Does anyone have any ideas.

Not sure what you are looking for but if its "why it out-fishes the other rods" its simple. I assume you use the same lures/gear on other rods so the only thing left is the line. The lead core on your old rod is fishing deeper or shallower than the others.

I ran two setups that were identical Sunday, same rods, reels, pop gear, wedding ring spinner and terminal gear. The rod set-back that was 140' caught the fish, regardless of which rod I used and I alternated between the two.

Drop down/raise another color or two on the other rods and see what happens.....

[TwoLabs]

Not sure what you are looking for but if its "why it out-fishes the other rods" its simple. I assume you use the same lures/gear on other rods so the only thing left is the line. The lead core on your old rod is fishing deeper or shallower than the others.

I ran two setups that were identical Sunday, same rods, reels, pop gear, wedding ring spinner and terminal gear. The rod set-back that was 140' caught the fish, regardless of which rod I used and I alternated between the two.

Drop down/raise another color or two on the other rods and see what happens.....

I guess what I was asking is if there is any info that the vibration or electro-magnetic field off a solid steel pole cold be the difference. That seems to be the big difference in my set ups.

[stevec]

Went up again Sunday a little harder caught 30 but had to work for them. The size about the same
Now that the lake is at full pool, do you think that will help the fishing? Also, want to share the area you have been fishing?
Remember June 13 is free fishing day in Idaho.

[SuperD]

TwoLabs, I know I don't want to be in your boat when the lightening starts. LOL!

Maybe new lead core isn't really lead anymore?

[kokaneekarver]

New member first post. I've been watching this forum for a year now but finally decided to contribute. Went out last night 06/08 after 5:30pm and had decent luck. I caught 5 kokes and 2 trout halfway between charcoal creek and birch creek. Pink GLO dodger with UV clear/pink GLO hoochie on 8" leader for more action. Tried running a green dodger/hoochie setup and smaller pop gear with orange wedding ring but no luck. The dodger/hoochie rig with firecorn didn't amount to much, however, the dodger rig with mikes garlic salmon eggs caught everything so I'm assuming the kokes are aggression striking. Fishing picked up about 7:30-9:30. 25-40 ft depth. 1.6 to 2.0 mph. Ran into two people that went to the springs shores area and had very little action.

[kodiak1]

Thanks for the report, and more importantly, thanks for joining the group. Look forward to hearing much more from you. Mike

[nepetbutler]

Landed 12 monster Kokes on cannon d/r's at 20'. Slingblade wth no snubber . Took apart white kokabow stacked on pink /rainbbow hoochie tipped wth anise/krill pink firecorn. Middle of lake from east boatramp . Needed 2 nets cause I hooked 2 at a time. done by noon. Hurt my wrist .green crestliner flying Pantera flag. Buy your squids from hoochie king

[MackayGuy]

Landed 12 monster Kokes

That's fantastic! Can you quantify "monster"? Pics help. Out of 4 limits last week we pulled in one just under 19" at LP. The rest were an honest 14" +/- 1". I thought the 19- was pretty good for LP this time of year.

[Pzak]

Mackay,
19" in June is a great fish. 19" in July / Aug is a great fish….The kokanee I caught this morning were all fat 16" twins aside from the one planter that was sent back unharmed…all of them at 20'. All before 7 am. Lots of boats in the main pool with me and lots of nets out until the bite turned off.

[Wishiniwasfishin]

Is it just me or do Lucky Peak Kokanee have a muddy water taste? Haven't noticed it in Arrowrock or Anderson.

[JKToons]

The last ones I had tasted fine but that was a month ago...

[JTM]

Is it just me or do Lucky Peak Kokanee have a muddy water taste? Haven't noticed it in Arrowrock or Anderson.

Are you sure your not confusing Trout with Kokes?
JK Kokanee have never tasted muddy to me.

[nepetbutler]

18" kokes. Gonna launch an hour before Sun up on Monday. If you see a glowing green crestliner or smell bacon , wave

[nepetbutler]

Planter trout aren't very tasty.

[Wishiniwasfishin]

Probably have caught well over 30,000 Kokes from every body of water in Idaho, stopped fishing LP a few years ago because of the taste of the fish. Cascade fish have the same taste in the summer months. Maybe I will have to give LP another try!

[DRM]

Well finally hit Arrowrock for the first time this year Friday night. Had great weather and the fishing was not to bad either. Not bad for a few hours of fishing.thumbsup
Good to see the fish are still nice and fat. None measured under 17 1/2.
8101

[JTM]

Probably have caught well over 30,000 Kokes from every body of water in Idaho, stopped fishing LP a few years ago because of the taste of the fish. Cascade fish have the same taste in the summer months. Maybe I will have to give LP another try!

HOLY COW!!!! 30k you are my new hero!!! I have caught Kokes from 4 bodies of Idaho water and enjoyed them all, However I bow to your expertiese.

[DRM]

Try to add the picture again.
http://www.kokaneefishingforum.com/fishing-forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=8104&thumb=1&d=1434218706

[kok-head]

8106

Fished 6/13 from first light until 11am, caught most of these before 8am and then things slowed way down, started out at 11' on the riggers and then dropped to 16', dodgers and hoochies

[sturgeon8r]

Probably have caught well over 30,000 Kokes from every body of water in Idaho, stopped fishing LP a few years ago because of the taste of the fish. Cascade fish have the same taste in the summer months. Maybe I will have to give LP another try!

I have caught Kokes in 3 bodies of water in Idaho. AR Anderson and LP....... Never had them taste muddy....... OH wait I smoke mine......... Tough to light if they are muddy.
tooexcited
worthy12
laugh hyst

Have fun fishing........

[callelk]

Yesterday had my limit by 9 but released anything under 14" so I did not leave until 11. Today I just fished a couple of hours and landed 3 but had a number of corn thieves. Still long lining and marking fish at 5-10' and 25-30' but not much in between and they seem to be moving around, its pointless marking them on the GPS they are not there when I com back around. Silver and orange are still the only colors that buys a bite for me......

[JKToons]

I fished Yesterday 6.14 8 am to 1 pm landed 4 kept 2. Had the water covered form 8' to 30' and the only rod producing for me was my downrigger at 22' pink and white dodger and hot pink hoochie, and as callelk said had corn thieves on the lead core at 28' to 30' down silver troll lights with black & light pink wedding ring no hookups.

[conservationist]

Had similar luck as JKToons this morning. Fished from about 7:30 to 11:30 am. Hooked about 8, got 6 to the boat and brought 3 home. The 3 at the boat were maybe 9 or 10 inches long. Thought they were little trout at first.

Got a real laugh from one hook-up. Soon as he hit, he headed for the surface and jumped about 25 feet behind the boat. I thought I lost him but he jumped again still dragging the gear but racing towards the boat. I was reeling in line as fast as I could. He comes back up now along side the boat and just keeps going without slowing down. I was laughing so hard I lost him after my wife made a valiant effort with the net. I fully expected him to do one of those dolphin things out front of the bow.

Fished anywhere from 10 to 30 feet .. concentrated on 15-20. Fished dodgers with spin n glo or wedding ring style spinners. Can't say we saw a preference in color.

[callelk]

conservationist,

That ain't bad but the smallest one I caught Saturday was while pulling away from the dock I started to let out line and before I got 18-20' out had a 6-7" Kok slam it and started jumping all over the place. It was so small that there was no way it could have eaten the hook so it was just holding on to the corn until it finally wiggled it off!

[kodiak1]

Fished Anderson last week for kokes and hammered 'em. Decided to head back this AM and concentrate on chinook, something I have been wanting to do. We started at Fall Creek and trolled towards the dam a ways, and then all the way back to the upper end. Stacked a cable with all kinds of tasty offerings I use in the salt, but a bit smaller. Size smaller flashers, etc. Just got it in the water and I had a good connection on the mini Brads packed with tuna. Darned if it wasn't a koke. And that was it. Kali put one pole out for kokes, and picked them up here and there, but once we got to the upper end, she started nailing them. I finally decided to join her, and we ended up with a cooler full of nice fish. The fish we caught at Fall Creek were definitely larger......don't know why. Doesn't seem to make sense, unless there is less competiton for food in that area. Every time it slowed down, we would drop down a bit and there they'd be. Best depth at 1 when we pulled out was 45'. Don't know what I was doing wrong in the chinook category. I'll try for them next year when they should be lunkers! Mike

[kokaneekarver]

I must be doing something wrong. I've been covering 10-40', using pop gear, dodgers, hoochies, wedding rings, firecorn, garlic eggs, anise corn. etc. I went out fri night for 4 hours, 2 fish. sat morn 5 hours, 2 fish. Sun morn, 1 fish. Seems like everyone has this figured out but me. What speed are you guys fishing at?

[conservationist]

KokaneeKarver .... I varied my speed all morning. I have a 50 HP outboard and no kicker. I have a trolling plate to slow it down a bit as needed. HOWEVER, I got most of the fish by changing speeds all the time. This is all via GPS for speed, but I try to go at least 1.5 mph ... and up to 2.25 or so. I also turn tight every once in awhile ... you'll be surprised at how often this seems to draw a hit. I also sometimes troll without the plate down ... that gives me up to 2.5 mph at idle ... but I'll switch in and out of gear if I get going that fast. Sometimes if it's windy this works way better for me controlling the boat as quick maneuvers with the trolling plate down are impossible.

I"ve been told the "best" speed is between 1.75 and 2 mph.... but who really knows! All I can personally vouch for is that changing speeds often triggers a hit.

We forgot the corn so were using Gulp maggots instead of corn.

Best of luck.

[kokaneekarver]

Thanks for the heads up. I've been changing from 1.5-2.1 mph. I tried zig zagging as well to speed up the outside rigger and slow down the inside. Can't seem to buy a bite. I did however just buy a 19' boat this weekend to help keep the wakeboarders from capsizing my boat. So, no fish but new boat. Kind of a win.

[callelk]

I must be doing something wrong. I've been covering 10-40', using pop gear, dodgers, hoochies, wedding rings, firecorn, garlic eggs, anise corn. etc. I went out fri night for 4 hours, 2 fish. sat morn 5 hours, 2 fish. Sun morn, 1 fish. Seems like everyone has this figured out but me. What speed are you guys fishing at?

My GPS says 1.3-1.7 but my paddle wheel says .96-1.3. I don't believe either but its rather mid-speed really. I am long-lining, 120-140' back with silver Model "T" small pop gear and orange wedding ring with the blade changed to a #2 silver willow-leaf blade and dual #4 red hooks on a 50" leader. Purple Fire Corn works or my secret sauce orange corn on both hooks though corn thieves have been taking the rear corn....little punks!

FYI - The willow-leaf has to be trolled a little faster to spin even with wire clevises. Guess what I am saying is I am going fast enough to make the blade spin and that is where I lock the throttle.

As I said earlier, on LP they are all over and no where in particular so marking them on the GPS has been pointless (for me anyway).

[nepetbutler]

Prebaited at dock with slingblade. pink hoochie with white kokabow on top. Firecorn 20' on d/r then the fight began . Nailed 11 nice Kokes at 2 mph in the middle of lake by noon . If you smell bacon , WAVE. Green crestliner.

[sturgeon8r]

KokaneeKarver .... I varied my speed all morning. I have a 50 HP outboard and no kicker. I have a trolling plate to slow it down a bit as needed. HOWEVER, I got most of the fish by changing speeds all the time. This is all via GPS for speed, but I try to go at least 1.5 mph ... and up to 2.25 or so. I also turn tight every once in awhile ... you'll be surprised at how often this seems to draw a hit. I also sometimes troll without the plate down ... that gives me up to 2.5 mph at idle ... but I'll switch in and out of gear if I get going that fast. Sometimes if it's windy this works way better for me controlling the boat as quick maneuvers with the trolling plate down are impossible.

I"ve been told the "best" speed is between 1.75 and 2 mph.... but who really knows! All I can personally vouch for is that changing speeds often triggers a hit.

We forgot the corn so were using Gulp maggots instead of corn.

Best of luck.

You always forget your corn :) I don't know how fast I am even going 100% of the time. I will speed way up on my kicker and then bacxk down. turns. ZAGziggin. ZiggZaggin. I fish 3/4 oz leads at 55 feet behind boat before sunrise. the last few time we have nailed them. fish 1 oz leads at 55 feet behind and catch fish? I have no clue why but we Conservationist and I do pretty well. I take another friend and we do well also. :)
Speed no speed turns no turns? That is why they call it fishing.

[conservationist]

Fished from 7 am to about 2 pm today. Very slow ... didn't see very many other boats. Finally in afternoon picked up a couple of Kokes quite a ways up the South Fork. Fished 20 feet with downriggers ... although we tried everything above and below those depths. Dodger with pink herring boan and green hoochie was the outfit to have. Nothing on dodger with pink/orange hoochies or wedding ring spinners. BUT ... a very nice day to be on the water. It's not always about catching a fish. Thanks to DRM for the advice on what to try and where to fish! Very much appreciated. My buddy had a good time and that what counts .. that and he did all the catching .. I did all the fishing!

[sturgeon8r]

Fished from 7 am to about 2 pm today. Very slow ... didn't see very many other boats. Finally in afternoon picked up a couple of Kokes quite a ways up the South Fork. Fished 20 feet with downriggers ... although we tried everything above and below those depths. Dodger with pink herring boan and green hoochie was the outfit to have. Nothing on dodger with pink/orange hoochies or wedding ring spinners. BUT ... a very nice day to be on the water. It's not always about catching a fish. Thanks to DRM for the advice on what to try and where to fish! Very much appreciated. My buddy had a good time and that what counts .. that and he did all the catching .. I did all the fishing!

Did you take Frank again :)

[amxerhull]

We finally found some fish between Freeman Creek and Dicks Creek. Almost every one of them was 8".

We met with the fish and game fishery people this morning and found them to be very informative. Bringing it down to simple terms (which is all I am capable of doing) this year's small fish situation is caused by overpopulation mostly the result of typical kokanee cyclical fluctuations. Last year, based on their surveys, the F&G estimated there were 100,000 two and three year olds which was a less than average population and they grew to 12" because they had lots to eat. At the same time, they also estimated that there were 2.5 MILLION! 1 year olds. Those 1 year olds are the fish we are catching this year. It is fair to guess that there was not lots of food for these fellers, hence the smaller growth rate.

It was also fascinating to hear that kokanee less than 7-1/2 inches are very difficult to catch while 8 inch and larger fish are much easier to catch. This might explain why our early trips were unsuccessful but seem to be improving as the fish hit the magical 8 inch size. With millions of these fish available, the fishing could be crazy the rest of this season, just don't expect many large fish.

[pthept]

I've never been up to Anderson but have wanted to go for some time. Can one pull a boat across the dam over to the elk creek launch? Is the Elk creek launch site the best site if coming up from Mountain home or is the better launch near pine? Thanks in advance.

[pthept]

The guys at Kokanee.com tackle shop stated that the orange gear was best this week. Can anyone confirm or deny?

[fishingmom]

thanks for the info amxerhull, havent gotten to dworshak yet, look forward to next years fish...

[spoons]

Yes you can cross the damn and launch right there. It's definitely a shorter drive by auto to launch at the damn.
If you want a dock and a wider ramp, curlew near Pine is the way to go. More parking at curlew as well.

[kodiak1]

I always go to Pine. Not only is it the better launch, but as the summer progresses, the kokes will begin staging on that end. Mike



I've never been up to Anderson but have wanted to go for some time. Can one pull a boat across the dam over to the elk creek launch? Is the Elk creek launch site the best site if coming up from Mountain home or is the better launch near pine? Thanks in advance.

[metalheadgene]

I have no experience with the Pine ramp but have used the Elk Creek ramp twice in the last 3 weeks and it is fine. The concrete is breaking up in one small spot and there is about 24" hole developing in the middle on the way down but not a big deal. No problem pulling a boat across the dam for it has a signal light only allowing a single direction of vehicles. One piece of advice is to strategically park your boat trailer in a manner where you can back up straight to the ramp down to the water when you are ready to leave for the day.

The last 2 weeks there has been a tool in a wakeboard boat that parks at the top of the ramp off to the right making it very difficult for the early birds who parked off to the left of the ramp to back thier trailers out and down to the water. The first time a buddy of mine that was in a another boat left a note on his vehicle thanking him for his selfishness but it did not resonate.

[terek]

orange was working well, but now they are on green. Have been doing really well, but we went up yesterday from 4pm to dark, and only got on 17" koke. We were marking a few hear and there, but no big groups. Tried pretty much everywhere and everything. Something happened to the clip on that downrigger. When I went to catch the fish, I pulled and pulled and finally broke the line. Reeled in the downrigger as fast as I could, and sure enough, the line was still clipped in. Grabbed the line, and sure enough, the fish was still on. Didn't realize how difficult it is to hand line in a large, fat koke. My dad kept missing him with the net, and he would dive and take line out of my hand. Did that 3 times then finally got him in the net. It was nice catching the fish like that, but I was more happy to get my dodger, snubber, and spin n glow back. Water was anywhere from 72f to 75f depending where you were. The one koke was at 25 feet, as well as the 4 pike minnows we caught.

[DRM]

Have not been back since last Friday, but I will stick with my pink. :) I did ok with it, imho.

[hooked]

I have no experience with the Pine ramp but have used the Elk Creek ramp twice in the last 3 weeks and it is fine. The concrete is breaking up in one small spot and there is about 24" hole developing in the middle on the way down but not a big deal. No problem pulling a boat across the dam for it has a signal light only allowing a single direction of vehicles. One piece of advice is to strategically park your boat trailer in a manner where you can back up straight to the ramp down to the water when you are ready to leave for the day.

The last 2 weeks there has been a tool in a wakeboard boat that parks at the top of the ramp off to the right making it very difficult for the early birds who parked off to the left of the ramp to back thier trailers out and down to the water. The first time a buddy of mine that was in a another boat left a note on his vehicle thanking him for his selfishness but it did not resonate.

Kinda funny, I described that parking job exactly the same way to my son. It's been crowded, but that's not a good place to abandon a rig for the day to get in everyone else's way.

[AverysAdventure]

Fished Anderson last week for kokes and hammered 'em. Decided to head back this AM and concentrate on chinook, something I have been wanting to do. We started at Fall Creek and trolled towards the dam a ways, and then all the way back to the upper end. Stacked a cable with all kinds of tasty offerings I use in the salt, but a bit smaller. Size smaller flashers, etc. Just got it in the water and I had a good connection on the mini Brads packed with tuna. Darned if it wasn't a koke. And that was it. Kali put one pole out for kokes, and picked them up here and there, but once we got to the upper end, she started nailing them. I finally decided to join her, and we ended up with a cooler full of nice fish. The fish we caught at Fall Creek were definitely larger......don't know why. Doesn't seem to make sense, unless there is less competiton for food in that area. Every time it slowed down, we would drop down a bit and there they'd be. Best depth at 1 when we pulled out was 45'. Don't know what I was doing wrong in the chinook category. I'll try for them next year when they should be lunkers! Mike

Mike,
Avery and I were up there Mon-Wed this week and had similar results. We camped out on the beach at Lime Creek and had a blast playing around. We first went into the dam but soon discovered that even the areas above the dam are “day use only” so we ended up running up to Lime. Fished from Lime to Fall Creek. I couldn’t buy a king for nothing even though I was marking them on the finder. Or I was marking what I believed where chinook below the koks and about double the pixels. Anyway I tried everything I had, except for the frozen herring, and didn’t get but one descent trout on it. I would eventually switch over to kokes and join Avery in having fun. Didn’t seem to matter what one used for kokes as long as you got down to them. We’d just start the morning deep and kept going deeper as the day burned on. 34’ was our lucky go to depth and from there just chase them down. By afternoon we’d be in the forties and I even pulled one up from 60 fow. Good times and some great eating fish!

Rod

[gonefishing]

Fished Ririe 3 days this week. I Actually had to use technics that I have not used in years and never used at Ririe, but once I got it down, myself and 2 riders pulled in our limits each day. The colors changed on Wed afternoon, but otherwise we had consitant catching going on each day. Large numbers of smaller fish this year, but we did catch a few 14-16" fish. Also we caught a fair number of trout using various lures etc. Fishing is pretty good right now, but the water is algae green which makes for using more flash to get the fishes attention.

[Bduck]

One of these days your going to find a stowaway in your boat, ME. Probably time to take a break from our watering holes here. Now it's getting too hot to sit in the boat.

[gonefishing]

Your always welcome Bduck. We will be taking a break at Ririe for a couple of weeks. Its time to start our 2 week 6 lake fishing adventure. I will keep in touch, Text. Bring the misses and camp at the house in a king size bed. You and I will live in the boat for a few day's, but we will be off the water before it gets to Hot.

[kodiak1]

Well, shoot, Rod, we probably were trolling past each other at least a couple of times. Glad you got into them. We can't give up on the Chinooks quite yet. They should be hunks next year. Say hi to Avery. Mike

[Rod Man]

Had a great week fishing out of at Falls Creek. Like Mike I tried some downsized Columbia Chinook techniques Mini Super Cut Bait behind a flasher w/dropper packed with tuna mixed with anise, shrimp, garlic. Worked great on the koks but finally lost one set to a pig that broke a 12# leader. Got to assume it was a king. Lots O' fun!! starting to see a little color so the peak may be here for the koks.

[Rod Man]

You can control your speed and provide more control in windy conditions by deploying a drift sock off each side of bow or forward gunwale with the sock approximately mid ship. secure socks with strap aft to keep them from swinging out in the turns. This set up requires more thrust and gives you greater control at slower speeds. I use this at LP when we have the pesky afternoon winds but it can also slow a big motor down. I've also seen homemade ones work well.

[kok-head]

fished first light til noon on 6/20, had 7 fish in the boat by 7am and then picked up a fish here and there, caught most at 10' down but right before noon we were catching kokanee at 5' deep

talked to 3 other boats, one was skunked and the 2 others each had a few kokanee

8117

[livingidoutdoors]

Spent the morning up today. Landed 9 lost a few more. Morning started off real slow, got busier later in the morning on the bite. Fished west of the giant balls. All were caught at about 30 ft, just long lining with weight.

[JTM]

Had a great week fishing out of at Falls Creek. Like Mike I tried some downsized Columbia Chinook techniques Mini Super Cut Bait behind a flasher w/dropper packed with tuna mixed with anise, shrimp, garlic. Worked great on the koks but finally lost one set to a pig that broke a 12# leader. Got to assume it was a king. Lots O' fun!! starting to see a little color so the peak may be here for the koks.

You can bet that was a King, Same thing happend to me they were deeper and when you hooked up you better hang on!!! I got broke off twice with 10# test no problem for them.

[nepetbutler]

Big Kokes above boat ramp at 20' 2mph . Lost all but 2 .making a 20' extension on my net handle. Lol. Pink squid / slingblade. Had some rookies on the boat. Soo much fun fighting the war against kokes

[alhntr]

Yeah I was one those who only got two fish. I was on the water at 8 am fished 20,25,30, 25 feet etc very few bites. Guess I should have tried 10 feet. LOL But we did hook one fish at 40 feet on down rigger. Are these fish all over depth wise. Dont have a quality flasher on boat. Good luck all. Gonna try Anderson Mon and Tues, have not been there yet this season. Any pointers.

[kok-head]

Are these fish all over depth wise.

they are, i have a basic fish finder and im able to run past the fish at speed (25-30mph) to get an approximation of their depth, then ill run down past em 100-200yds and get my gear/rods set up and give em a chance to settle down before i troll back through them

at first light we were hooking fish at 5' and 10' deep on the downriggers and using 50-60' setbacks, later in the day we were fishing at 6' and 8' and couldnt buy a bite til we adjusted our setbacks to 80-150' and got back into the fish again, and later in the day we have to drag the gear past em 2-3 times to get a bite instead of draggin the gear by once at 530am and having 2 rods bouncing on the first pass

also of the 11 kokanee we brought to the back of the boat 9 were still alive and my 10' net (salmon net with a push broom handle pressed into net handle) helps a ton, for fish that stayed hooked within the first few seconds of releasing from the riggers we were 9 for 9 on boating them