Cold weather is expected by Thanksgiving and beyond. This will really decrease the water temps. Ice will start to form on some lakes, but ALWAYS check conditions before you go out!
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Ashley Lake
A few people have ventured out to catch some salmon. They were in 55’ of water jigging Swedish Pimps with pink maggots anywhere from 15-30ft below water surface.
 
Blanchard
Some ice has formed, then melted. It shouldn’t take much to cap over later this week.
 
Church Slough
This past week has been great for anglers catching pike. Use on pole rigged with a pea mouth on a hanger rug under a bobber. Take a second pole and cast a fire tiger Rapala.

Weather patterns will be changing fishing conditions this week. Temps will be well above freezing and heavy rains early. Fish should be biting with dropping air pressure. Always go prepared for changing weather.
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Ashley Lake
No recent reports however, rainbows should be on the move to shallower water.
 
Church Slough
Water levels have gone down some more from last week. The boat launch is reported to be muddy.
 
Echo Lake
Anglers have been doing well for whitefish. Reports also say the water level is quite low. Jig over larger sized rock piles with Pete’s Whitefish Slayer.

​Cold temps this past week have really dropped the water temps. This has formed some ice on certain lakes. This will change later this week as temps will be higher. Always have safety gear when going out on first ice!

Bitterroot Lake
Rainbow bite has been good again. Troll planer boards close to shoreline. Capt Andy’s Flies and Plug-It lures work best. Trilling for Salmon has also produced nice fish. Use beer can flashers and a wedding ring tipped with maggots.
 
Blanchard Lake
Reports say Ice is starting to form along shorelines, but not fishable.
 
Church Slough
Water levels are dropping as well as the temps. Crappie can be found suspended in deeper water over tall structure.

Good news for the hard water fishermen! Diehards have been out on Smith on 3 inches of solid ice. Please use EXTREME caution with these warmer temps! Always have safety equipment when going out on first ice. This includes ice picks, rope and maybe float suits. 

Ashley Lake
Rainbow actions should be picking up, so troll with planer boards and a captain Andy’s Trolling Fly. Run planer board over 15-20ft of water. No reports of Salmon.
 
Church Slough
Perch action has been very good. Go to the right of launch around 200yrds and look for structure in 8ft of water. Jig a Northland Forage Minnow with maggots. Pike action has been fair. Anglers are reporting the Vibrax Lure in yellow/red with red dots works best.
 
Echo Lake
Late season bass are biting so now is a good time to get them before they get lethargic. Focus in deeper water where the temps are warmer. Some whitefish have been reported using Pete’s Whitefish Slayers.