Dworshak Reservoir

[zoniezz]

I am trying to find out before I go there in spring what part of the Dworshak Reservoir in Idaho is best for smallies? If anyone could point me in a direction for this, it would be appreciated.

 

[NorthIDBasser]

I would recommend fishing the southern half of Dworshak in the spring. Launch at Freeman creek if you are coming from the north or Big Eddy if you are coming from the south (they are less than 10 water miles apart but 45mins apart to drive). Water depth can fluctuate significantly from year to year but the fishing is always pretty awesome. 4 and 5lb Smallies are pretty common in the spring and can be caught well on lipless crankbaits, shad raps, beavers and grubs(among other things). There are some toads in there. My PB is almost 7lbs in there and the state record Smallie (9.11) came out of there a few years ago. Fall is usually better on the north end of the reservoir for big fish as they follow the Kokanee spawn progression up to the mouth of the river.

[John Hansen]

Curious, when does Dworshak start heating up?  Hopefully we can get a warm snap soon.

[NorthIDBasser]

The water is getting good now. The U of Idaho Bass Team held a tournament there on 4/5 and there was a 6.33 and 7.77 weighed. The winning sack at a club tournament last week was over 23lbs of smallies...not bad for Idaho

[John Hansen]

Yea Im looking at joining the UI Bass Club and they were telling me about the tourney.  Surprised me they caught any fish, with my luck if the water drops off too cold I can't get anything but trout to bite.  Must be how I'm fishing.     Might have to take a ride out to dworshak before I head home.

[NorthIDBasser]

You should definitely join if you are going to school there already. There are a few fellas from up here in CDA that recently joined the U of I Bass Team that are excellent anglers and could teach you alot. I am sure there are others in that club that could help too. I do the best on beavers, grubs, and cranks this time of year.

[MN_SONNEN_ANGLER]

I will be out on dworshak April 10-14th, curious on what I should be looking for pattern wise and certain lures to use. In the past a standard swim jig and dropshot was good but seeing if I'm missing out on using certain lures. Thanks a bunch!