2013-2016 Idaho Kokanee Fishing Reports Quick Links

[callelk]

" she told him unload on the other side, this side is for loading,

I have launched boats from California to Florida and worked for a boat dealership in my youth and god knows that many don't follow any kind of etiquette. Butt, there is no "side" for launching or recovery. Don't get me wrong, you should not be on the ramp to load/unload gear and you should make every reasonable effort to move you boat/launch vehicle off the ramp and out of traffic as soon as possible even when you are by yourself.

That said, I get tired of people telling me that the arrows at Spring Shores tell me what side to launch and what side to retrieve. All the arrows mean is to enter the launch "area" from the west and leave the launch "area" to the east. Period. If you only launched on the west side ramp and retrieved from the east side ramp 1/2 the ramp would be empty and there wold be a lot of upset people at the busiest times of day.

Google launching etiquette and you will find a lot of info.

I do want to thank all those that offer to help when I am by myself and though I may no always accept the offer because I need to practice launching by myself, I truly do appreciate the offers.

 

[fish4kok]

Boat ramp etiquette info from Ada County Parks & Waterways

We owned our boat for over 24 years. My wife was trained for so many times but she always feels unsafe to operate that boat alone. If the water is calm she might be OK but if it's windy or choppy water...Hahahaha!!! She will let it drift to the shore.

In mid '90 when we went camping at Deadwood Reservoir. We camped at at Barney campground but we launched the boat at Deadwood river. I point to her where the area of the camp, where the area of shallow to avoid and how to navigate to it. After I drove my truck back to the camping area I thought she was there before me... I went out to the shore looking for her, the boat was about 1/3 way and look like it stucked in the shallow area with a lot of tree stumps underneath. She was panic and shut off the engine and sat there... She forgot how to raise the lower unit to get out of the shallow area...Later the other fisherman gave me a ride to retrieve my boat...
She is a very good fishing woman but never be a good captain...

I found this very helpful boat ramp etiquette info from Ada County Parks & Waterways

https://adacounty.id.gov/Parks-Waterways/Waterways

Anyhow! We fished LP yesterday, all we caught was 2 little Chinook and 4 new plan Kok. We quit early.

The dock was move in the middle of the ramp. Thank you Ada Parks & Waterways

 

[callelk]

I found this very helpful boat ramp etiquette info from Ada County Parks & Waterways

https://adacounty.id.gov/Parks-Waterways/Waterways

Anyhow! We fished LP yesterday, all we caught was 2 little Chinook and 4 new plan Kok. We quit early.

The dock was move in the middle of the ramp. Thank you Ada Parks & Waterways

I stand corrected, that is the first time that I have every heard of a launch and retrieve side and I too have owned/raced/captained boats for well over 40 years.

As I mentioned, I googled boater etiquette to be sure I was not missing what I thought I knew and though I did not get Ada County to come up, of the 10 or so I pursued, that was never mentioned. That could sure gum-up the works on a busy Saturday afternoon during koke/ski season.

Not sure what you mean by middle.

 

[fish4kok]

I stand corrected, that is the first time that I have every heard of a launch and retrieve side and I too have owned/raced/captained boats for well over 40 years.

As I mentioned, I googled boater etiquette to be sure I was not missing what I thought I knew and though I did not get Ada County to come up, of the 10 or so I pursued, that was never mentioned. That could sure gum-up the works on a busy Saturday afternoon during koke/ski season.

Not sure what you mean by middle.

Sorry! I should type the dock was moved to center of the ramp, this will have enough room on both side of the dock for loading and unloading. Below is the picture of the temporary dock in October of last year

Temporary dock almost dry too...

 

[hooknhunter]

We owned our boat for over 24 years. My wife was trained for so many times but she always feels unsafe to operate that boat alone. If the water is calm she might be OK but if it's windy or choppy water...Hahahaha!!! She will let it drift to the shore.

In mid '90 when we went camping at Deadwood Reservoir. We camped at at Barney campground but we launched the boat at Deadwood river. I point to her where the area of the camp, where the area of shallow to avoid and how to navigate to it. After I drove my truck back to the camping area I thought she was there before me... I went out to the shore looking for her, the boat was about 1/3 way and look like it stucked in the shallow area with a lot of tree stumps underneath. She was panic and shut off the engine and sat there... She forgot how to raise the lower unit to get out of the shallow area...Later the other fisherman gave me a ride to retrieve my boat...
She is a very good fishing woman but never be a good captain...

I found this very helpful boat ramp etiquette info from Ada County Parks & Waterways

https://adacounty.id.gov/Parks-Waterways/Waterways

Anyhow! We fished LP yesterday, all we caught was 2 little Chinook and 4 new plan Kok. We quit early.

The dock was move in the middle of the ramp. Thank you Ada Parks & Waterways

Interesting. That document says to load on the indicated side, usually the left if facing shore. I'm sorry, but I think that is just ridiculous. If two can launch and nobody wants to load, why not use both sides? I've even launched in the middle when 2 others were launching on both sides over at CJ several times. I don't see what the big deal is. As long as you are not causing problems for somebody else who cares? I agree with being courteous, ALWAYS. But why should I sit there and wait for some 2 times a year guy to get his crap together when I can launch and be gone while he's figuring out what to do next. If I'm going to be courteous, I expect the same from them and part of them being courteous is to not waste MY time because their an idiot.

 

[F-Bomb]

opps

Kind of sorry that I sorta started talking about this! Common sense says get prepped out of everyone's way, wait your turn, and DO YOUR BEST to minimize your time on and off the ramp. Be patient and tolerant of others regardless of how *&^%$ing stupid they obviously are as you wonder how on earth someone that dumb could muster the wear with all to actually BUY A DAMN BOAT...not to mention the gadget to get it to the water.

I don't ever remember there being a movable dock parked in the middle of the works at LP when the water level is down. I think it is in the way and gums up the works. But I guess that I can see how it is useful for people who don't want to scratch up there boats and get muddy or have limited mobility. So I'm good with it.

Back in the good ol' days you parked on the bank, tied to a rock, and got your tow vehicle for loading. There were also about three boats using the res after Sept!

I had a real smart yellow lab that would sit on the bank pretending to hold the line while I parked or went to get the rig for loading. He couldn't load the boat or back the pickup either but he could get me a beer out of the cooler. I know this because he did one time drive the pickup across the parking lot at the truck stop. Parked it perfectly up on the curb without hitting a single person or car. Driving was not his strength. He blamed hitting the curb on the steering locking up. Fish and Feathers wouldn't give him a license and allow him a limit even though he was clearly smarter and more capable than a good portion of the people I've been dealing with at LP this season!

 

[bayhorse]

Water level

Hey I drove up to eat my lunch yesterday and was surprised to see the reservoir full to the point that the main ramp is in the water.
Why I wonder are they draining Lucky Peak to mud flats and filling Arrowrock.
Any way did not see any boats out and it might be a good alternative to the dog and pony show at LP.
Going to be a nice week end might be worth the effort. Good Luck!

 

[bayhorse]

That's Funny!laugh hystthumbsup

 

[Kokanee Troller]

Turner Launch

Sorry! I should type the dock was moved to center of the ramp, this will have enough room on both side of the dock for loading and unloading. Below is the picture of the temporary dock in October of last year

Temporary dock almost dry too...

fish4kok, Do you think I can launch my 22ft CC at turner? because of the high rails, I need a dock to get into the boat. Thanks
for all your posts.

 

[Kokanee Troller]

Turner Launch

Forgot to ask, can you park your truck & trailer in the dirt along side of the paved pad. Its a long walk uphill to the parking lot?
Thanks Kokanee Troller

 

[Physion]

Turner

A lot of people park on the sand beside the ramp. I don't think it's a good idea to park right on the ramp itself because it hinders others trying to access the dock. Ada county did some work around the dock today-they moved a lot of sand. When I left, the dock was usable on both sides. The water level continues to drop, so tomorrow may be different.

I did get a limit today. All on the surface. I also lost a lot more than usual. Early in the day they were hitting pretty softly.

Physion

 

[callelk]

a good portion of the people I've been dealing with at LP this season!

This season(?) it sure ain't limited to just this season.........there have been days over the years I should have sold tickets to some of the entertainment at the different ramps I have been to.

 

[Wishiniwasfishin]

Arrowrock

Hey I drove up to eat my lunch yesterday and was surprised to see the reservoir full to the point that the main ramp is in the water.
Why I wonder are they draining Lucky Peak to mud flats and filling Arrowrock.
Any way did not see any boats out and it might be a good alternative to the dog and pony show at LP.
Going to be a nice week end might be worth the effort. Good Luck!

They do this every year Arrowrock seems to be the one they keep the fullest thru the winter would be interesting to know the logic behind it.

 

[Pauli]

May try Arrowrock This saturday

Was thinking about hitting Arrowrock Saturday. I can barely contain myself with such buffoonery happening on the only launch at Lucky Peak during the week days... I can't imagine what it would be like on the weekend! If I end up going I'll post a report. Pauli

 

[fish4kok]

fish4kok, Do you think I can launch my 22ft CC at turner? because of the high rails, I need a dock to get into the boat. Thanks
for all your posts.

Sorry for late reply, I was out of town yesterday. To answer your question, if both sections of the dock float I think that will be OK, my boat is 17.5' and there was about another 6' in front of the bow. But keep in mind the water level change every day and I don't know how often they maintain the dock. Last year I saw a pontoon laid on the ground when people camp over night, there were 2 boats from Park services pull it back to the reservoir. If you're living in Boise please stop by Tuner Gulch to check it out.
Last year I fished until Nov-21

 

[Pauli]

Arrowrock Report

I actually fished Arrowrock on Sunday....... In a word.....SLOW. Managed to catch a few trout and some pike minnows, but that was about it. I used the typical Koke setups. Fished from about 09:30 to 12:30. Fished from 40 feet up to the surface. Water temp was about 58 degrees. The lake is getting smaller by the day! However the ramp was still in the water. Probably my last trip to Arrowrock this season. Beautiful morning on the lake!

Pauli

 

[Addicted2Kokes]

10/8/16

Launched from Turner Gulch about 9:00 A.M. Was very Windy so we went straight up reservoir to try and get out of the wind. Dropped lines near gooseneck bay. Wind died down after an hour or so. Printed lots of fish throughout the day. Longlining about 8-10'. Caught 10 kokes threw back 3 small ones and threw back 3 decent trout. Managed to bring home 7 nice Kokes. My Dad also caught one 6" Chinook. UV dodger, pink flat fish lure tipped with pink mag and shoepeg corn with a squirt of kokanee scent oil (available @Kokanee Tackle) was the hot item of the day! Didn't have luck on anything else.
Hope to get one more trip in before the snow hits. Good luck and tight lines!

 

[F-Bomb]

Sunday's LP report

Fished from 11am to 4pm. We caught 16 misc fish. One baby chinook, 4 trout, and 9 pretty impressive kokes (and 2 itty bitty kokes). All about 14 to 14.5" and in super good shape. DR at 12-14ft and the long lines 100ft out with 1/2oz of lead. I used all spinners with some form of orange behind macks paper flashers like always. The difference today was that I painted with FINGER NAIL POLISH up some Colorado spinner blades about twice the size of the hammer blades that come on wedding rings. They all caught fish and it was pretty even between all of the setups. I think the key at LP might be some form of white. I was doing good on a red/white triple teezer the past few times so I thought maybe a spinner combo like that would be the ticket and it worked. The nail polish actually got soft and started to come off but we were already mostly done by then. It was a fun experiment and kind of cool to catch fish on a contraption. Blue and white might also be good as we tried that for about 15 minutes and it caught a trout. Hard to go away from orange/white as it has caught most of my fish this year and it still seems to be working. We only saw one other boat net a fish and there were quite a few people out. By 4 as we were leaving there were 20 wake boats and it was getting pretty wild. We escaped perfectly with little or no hassle at the ramp.

Also note. I picked up a collection of new Lamiglas Rods and I am very impressed. We only lost one fish all day and that ratio is many times better than we have been doing. I wonder if going to these really soft ended rods helps. Not a large enough sample size to go crazy and start recommending these to everyone but I'm real happy with my results. I use 2 XCC801GH (8FT combo graphite fiberglass blend light action), and two 9.6 graphite Custom PRO medium action. All with Okuma cold water 203. The 9.6 rods have a very similar feel to the 8ft combo and cost half as much. All of them feel great with fish on!

Weather was absolutely perfect today!

 

[F-Bomb]

opps

opps wrong thread..oh well

 

[F-Bomb]

Fished from 11am to 4pm. We caught 16 misc fish. One baby chinook, 4 trout, and 9 pretty impressive kokes (and 2 itty bitty kokes). All about 14 to 14.5" and in super good shape. DR at 12-14ft and the long lines 100ft out with 1/2oz of lead. I used all spinners with some form of orange behind macks paper flashers like always. The difference today was that I painted with FINGER NAIL POLISH up some Colorado spinner blades about twice the size of the hammer blades that come on wedding rings. They all caught fish and it was pretty even between all of the setups. I think the key at LP might be some form of white. I was doing good on a red/white triple teezer the past few times so I thought maybe a spinner combo like that would be the ticket and it worked. The nail polish actually got soft and started to come off but we were already mostly done by then. It was a fun experiment and kind of cool to catch fish on a contraption. Blue and white might also be good as we tried that for about 15 minutes and it caught a trout. Hard to go away from orange/white as it has caught most of my fish this year and it still seems to be working. We only saw one other boat net a fish and there were quite a few people out. By 4 as we were leaving there were 20 wake boats and it was getting pretty wild. We escaped perfectly with little or no hassle at the ramp.

Also note. I picked up a collection of new Lamiglas Rods and I am very impressed. We only lost one fish all day and that ratio is many times better than we have been doing. I wonder if going to these really soft ended rods helps. Not a large enough sample size to go crazy and start recommending these to everyone but I'm real happy with my results. I use 2 XCC801GH (8FT combo graphite fiberglass blend light action), and two 9.6 graphite Custom PRO medium action. All with Okuma cold water 203. The 9.6 rods have a very similar feel to the 8ft combo and cost half as much. All of them feel great with fish on!

Weather was absolutely perfect today!

(I accidentally posted this on the arrow rock thread..oh well. Lucky that I'm a better fisherman than interneter)