A lot of anglers think the only good fishing is in the spring and fall which at times can be true but don’t think that way on Coeur D Alene lake this season.  Our best fishing looks like it may be here in July or even August.  I really think this has been one of the toughest fishing springs and early summers we have had, as we enter July the water is just now starting to stabilize and the temperatures are in the mid 60’s on the surface.  The Smallmouth are for the most part just finishing their spawn and the Pike so far have still been in the shallow water.  I think when the fish actually get more into their summer patters you should see your success go up .  The Salmon for the most part have been tough to come by so far this season but just this last week of June we have started to hook up a few fish.  Even though the Kokanee have been small the numbers appear good and schools of fish throughout the lake.  Things are looking up and we expect a good fishing summer!

Salmon trollers as I mentioned we have just started hooking a few Chinooks of the last 4 fish we have landed 3 have been on small flashers and mini-squids the other on helmeted herring.  We are just getting back on the Salmon but we have been down the east arm of the lake trolling 40-60 feet deep time will tell if this is the spot to be but there are at least a few cruising around.  Most of the Chinooks have been small 18-24 inches but as we get more time in I’m sure we will locate some bigger ones.  Last year we did well with a large flasher and a helmeted herring so I will give that a try next time out.

The Northern pike have still been in the shallow water but by a week or so into July that should change and you will start picking them up on the first break in 6-10 foot of water adjacent to the regular weed beds.  This is when spinner baits start to work well have a good color selection and start cranking.  In never hurts to slow swim a swim bait such as the Berkley hollow belly or Yum Money Minnow or twitch the Rapala Husky Jerk here and there but the spinner baits do most of the catching most of the summer. 

It’s time to get the twin tail grubs out for the Smallies even though I would have to say lately our best action has been on tubes and Senko’s.  If we have some cool weather yet the first week of July stick with Senko’s and tubes if we get warm switch to the twin tail grubs and lead heads and start working the breaks and shelves.

Keep fishing better days are ahead if you need more information give the Fins a call at 208-667-9304 or if you need a day with one of our guide boats give us a shout Jeff and Matt are getting out regular now and should be on the fish.