Fishing Report - 08/25/2017

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​Koocanusa
There is still some good Salmon action near Rexford. Fish should be schooling around the Tobacco River or creek mouths to get ready to spawn. Trolling or Jigging will be the most productive. For you trollers, use Flashlight trolls in gold or silver with some small Triple Teaser or Pete’s LMR Salmon Fly tipped with maggots. Use the 3-color lead core or set your line 25’ – 30’ down. If you are jigging use Swedish Pimples or Hali jigs tipped with corn or maggots. Rainbow fishermen get out your planner boards with Cap Andy flies or large plugs in Rainbow or Salmon patterns early in the morning or late in the day.

Snagging Season
Snagging opens on September 15th.  Graves Creek, Tobacco River or Kootenai Falls up towards Eureka. The Salmon are there earlier if you want to try fishing for them. Be sure you are not snagging until the season opens. BE SURE TO CHECK YOUR REGS! Snagging hooks will be in stock at Snappy’s first week in September.

​Flathead Lake
Flathead is still excellent on Whitefish. The fish are starting to move North for the next month or so. Trying fishing Douglas Islands area just south of West Shore State Park. Also, Conrad Point, Caroline Point, and Hatchery Bay. On the East side of the lake try Woods Bay Point and the Delta. Early mornings are most likely the best time – Daylight until about 11AM. Lake Trout have been mixed in. Try larger jigs with cut bait as dead stick. They seem to be sitting 40’-60’ deep. On the South End, check around Cedar Island, Cromwell Island, Elmo Bay, Big Arm, The Narrows, Yellow Bay & Skidoo Bay. Also look for Perch in Elmo, Big Arm or the west side of Polson Bay. Don’t forget the lake limit on Perch – 10 fish over 10” and unlimited under 10”. Bring a large cooler full of ice. Pete’s Whitefish Slayer, Zimmer Rattle D’Zaster, Rattle Snakies all in Green and Chartreuse colors!

Middle Thompson Lake
Some excellent Salmon action. Mostly on the West End and trolling around 30’. Small silver or gold dodgers with small spoons seem to be the ticket. Getting reports of some Pike action in the early mornings on Storm Swimbaits or smelt.

Lower Thompson Lake
The Perch action is still going. Look at the East End in 20’-30’ of water or check the deep weed beds. Hearing Pike are still hitting in the bays early in the morning.

Smith Lake
Good numbers of small Pike hitting on the black/orange spinner baits or buzz baits. Again, early in the morning or late in the day.
Echo LakeThe Bass action is still going strong. Mostly early in the morning in the bays or around the deeper points near the island in the main lake.

Whitefish Lake
The Lake Trout are doing well. Look for them just off the points around the lake. Try jigging your Rattle D’Zaster or tube baits in 40’-60’ of water. Also hearing some reports that the Lake Whitefish are biting as well. If you are looking for Pike check out the North End or the bays.
Bitterroot LakeSalmon action is still strong at the South End. Set your trolling gear for 30’-50’. Sporadic reports of Smallmouth Bass in some of the bays as well.

Lake Mary Ronan
We are starting to hear better reports on Perch in the southwest end sitting 25’-30’. Try Northland Forage Minnows, Hali and Lindy Rattl’N Flyers with worms. Kokanee still hitting at night with lights.

Upper / Lower Stillwater Lake
Seeing great Pike coming out of here. Nice fish upwards of 5lbs.

​Be sure to sign up for the Wild West Panfish Trail tournament on Middle / Lower Thompson on September 9th. $100 per Team Entry (2 Person). Heaviest weight of 15 fish (Perch or Sunfish). Limited to 25 Teams. Sign Up @ Snappy’s Customer Service. Any questions, please talk to Chancy in the fishing department.