One of the most exciting things that has happened to Lake Coeur d’Alene has been the booming SmallMouth Bass fishery. Miles and miles of rocky shoreline are now being occupied by SmallMouth. They have been in the system for about 8 years, but it is only in the last 2 or 3 that a viable fishery has emerged. While still primarily a North end fishery, we fully expect these fish to become common throughout the Coeur d’Alene system.
In the Spring months (April thru early June) the fish move into shallow water. They generally will push onto rocky shorelines. The entire North shore of Coeur d’Alene can hold Smallmouth in the Spring. Crankbaits and Tube jigs are the primary way to catch them in the spring. As the water warms, they slowly move deeper. When this happens, plastic baits become the way to hook these Bass. Carolina rigged or split shot handpoured plastics are two methods we use to catch them. As the water continues to warm, we will follow them to flats that stretch from 8 to 25 feet. The “Strolling” technique is one that works particularly well.
This fishery is very new to us and we are learning new techniques and areas every year. Check back here and at the Fins Fishing Report for more information on Coeur d’Alene Lake Smallmouth Bass.
