The Northwest's Premier Outfitter offering guided fishing trips on Idaho's Clearwater and Snake Rivers, American Falls Reservoir, CJ Strike Reservoir, Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir, and the Columbia River in Washington and Oregon.
We had an overall incredible week on Idaho’s Clearwater River. Although we were dealing with high dirty water water, we had some of our best fishing of the entire year. Mid week was unbelievable with Wednesday and Thursday both seeing two boats with close to or over 30 fish landed for the day. The fishing held out into the weekend, but we saw reduced catches due to the increased pressure on the river. When the water is high and dirty we are very limited in the areas we can fish, and when those locations fill up with boats things can get a little more difficult.
From talking with multiple people it also sounded like the South Fork of the Clearwater, and the North Fork Clearwater were both fishing very well. This is typical of the type of run that we are having. During these types of years we often see a late push of fish that come into the Orofino area around the second week of March. During the winter months the fish ladder on Lower Granite Dam is closed for maintenance and cleaning. The ladder at Lower Granite is then re opened in March and the fish that were forced to overwinter in the Lower Snake River make their final push up the Clearwater. We have even had fantastic days of fishing into April some years.
If you are looking for a steelhead trip on the Clearwater River with us I would safely say that we are looking at a few good weeks of fishing ahead of us, and depending on how river conditions look this spring, we may see some great catches a little later in the month.
This past week saw some fantastic fishing on Idaho’s Clearwater River. The river woke up from its deep freeze the week before and the steelhead started to get frisky. We saw good catches of fish throughout the river from Orofino to Lewiston. There were a lot of fish concentrated in the river near Orofino, but the bite seemed to be a little sporadic with the bite window seeming to open and close very quickly and at random times. We also had boats fishing in the lower part of the river downstream from Orofino. Catches were good in this section, but during this time of year fish in the lower river can be really spread out. When fishing downriver of Orofino we often find the need to cover a ton of water as some good holes just wont have fish in them.
Our number one technique this week was bobber dogging beads. This has been a very consistent method for us this year, and when river conditions allow, bobber dogging allows us to cover an incredible amount of water very effectively. Our most popular beads have been softbeads from BNR beads and an assortment of hard beads in 12 -14mm. Clearwater River Steelhead seem to have an affinity for the larger beads and we have also had some good days fishing the 20mm BNR soft beads.
For this next week we are seeing a major change in river conditions. The Clearwater at the moment is really high and dirty making fishing very difficult. The one caveat to this is that during really high water the fish get concentrated in a few spots that at times can lead to the best fishing of the year. We have not had a high water event yet this winter, so this is long overdue, and will lead to some incredible fishing over the next couple of weeks as we see a bunch of fresh fish move into the system. In the past fishing in March has been a big part of your year and we are expecting fishing to continue to be fantastic through at least the 3rd week of March. If looking for a great trip that has a little better weather don’t hesitate to book a March Steelhead trip on Idaho’s Clearwater River.
As winter tightens its grip on Idaho, many anglers believe that fishing slows to a halt. However, savvy fishers know that crappie fishing during the pre-spawn period at CJ Strike Reservoir can yield incredible results. This hidden gem in Idaho’s angling landscape offers ideal conditions for targeting crappie throughout the colder months. In this article, we will explore why pre-spawn fishing is exceptionally productive and provide you with tips to make the most of your adventure, all while highlighting how you can plan your trip with Jonessportfishing.com.
Why Pre-Spawn Crappie Fishing is So Productive
1. Crappie Behavior in Winter
As water temperatures drop, crappie tend to school up in deeper waters and near structure. During the pre-spawn period, which typically begins when water temperatures rise to around 45-50°F, crappie start moving towards shallower areas in anticipation of spawning. This migration makes them easier to locate and catch, as they often congregate in larger schools.
2. Ideal Conditions at CJ Strike
CJ Strike Reservoir boasts an abundance of underwater structures like submerged trees, rocky points, and drop-offs that crappie love. As the weather starts to warm slightly leading into spring, these structures become hotspots for crappie fishing. The reservoir also experiences less boat traffic during the winter, allowing for a more serene fishing experience.
3. Optimal Techniques for Success
While jigging with soft plastics or bait works well, employing techniques such as vertical jigging or trolling can lead to better catches. When targeting pre-spawn crappies, look for them suspended over deeper water or near brush piles. Experimenting with various colors and sizes can help you find the right lure to entice these finicky fish.
Tips for a Successful Winter Crappie Fishing Trip
Gear Up Properly: Cold weather can be a deterrent for fishing, but having the right gear makes all the difference. Dress in layers, invest in quality gloves and hats, and consider using thermal clothing to stay warm on the water.
Take Advantage of Early Light: Fish are often more active during dawn and dusk, so plan your outings accordingly. Arriving early can increase your chances of a successful catch.
Stay Patient and Observant: Crappie fishing requires patience. Pay attention to your surroundings and any signs of fish activity, such as surface feeding or birds diving.
Booking Your Winter Fishing Adventure
If you’re ready to experience the thrill of winter crappie fishing at CJ Strike Reservoir, Jonessportfishing.com is your go-to resource for booking guided trips. Our expert guides are familiar with the local waters and have the knowledge to help you find and catch crappie during the pre-spawn period.
Simply visit Jonessportfishing.com to explore our trip options, learn about our experienced guides, and secure your spot for an unforgettable fishing adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a newcomer to the sport, we are dedicated to providing you with the tools and expertise necessary for a successful trip.
Conclusion
Winter crappie fishing at CJ Strike Reservoir during the pre-spawn season is an opportunity you won’t want to miss. With the right preparation, techniques, and guidance from Jonessportfishing.com, you can reel in impressive catches while enjoying the tranquility of Idaho’s winter landscape. Don’t let the cold deter you—gear up, head out, and discover the excitement of crappie fishing this winter!
