Angling on Dworshak has year-round possibilities

Editor's note: This the first in a series about recreation opportunities on Dworshak Reservoir.

The day is clear and bright and as sun glints off the water, anglers get ready to try their luck at the Kokanee Salmon, Rainbow Trout and Smallmouth Bass often caught on Dworshak Reservoir.

You've heard the saying, "A bad day fishing is better than a good day a work." Well on Dworshak there are few times that you will have a "bad day fishing". Even if you don't catch a lot of fish; there is always the beautiful scenery and the time away from your regular schedule in the serenity of the 52-mile lake.

Dworshak is stocked annually with 150,000 rainbows that have an average size of 10 inches. The reservoir was also home to the Idaho State record smallmouth bass, eight pounds 15 ounces and 22 inches long. It was caught by Dan Steigers in 1995. Try your luck maybe you can set a new record.

Kokanee fishing is good year round, but best from April through August. The older fish reach their maximum growth in July/August and then progress upstream to spawn. Trolling with maggots or white corn is one of the best methods, according to information from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers which manages the facility.

Bass generally bite on nightcrawlers and plastic grubs, but some other types of bait also work. In the spring the best places are where the creeks enter the reservoir and the bottom is somewhat gravelly. As the weather and water warm up, they tend to go deeper rocky areas with cooler temperatures.

Rainbow Trout fishing is good year round in all areas of the reservoir. They usually bite on nightcrawlers, spinners and scented baits.

Beside the kokanee, rainbows and bass which are planted, Dworshak is also home to native strains of Cutthroat Trout, Dolly Varden (Bull Trout), Brown Bullhead and Largemouth Bass. Note that Bull Trout may not be harvested. They lack the wormlike markings of Brook Trout and have to spots on the dorsal fin.

Steelhead Trout and Chinook Salmon are anadromous fish that return to this area each year from the Pacific Ocean to spawn. Anglers try their luck just below Dworshak Dam in the North Fork and main stem of the Clearwater River during their seasons.

Fish cleaning stations are available at Big Eddy and Dent Acres Campground.

Be sure to check the current regulations for seasons, limits and locations. Fishing regulations are designated by the Idaho Fish and Game Department. Pamphlets with the current regulations are available from guide and fishing shops in the region.

For further information about Dworshak, call 208-476-1255 or 1-800-321-3198 or check the web site at www.nww.usace.army.mil/CorpsOutdoors/dwa.

Watch future issues of Window on the Clearwater for further recreation opportunities at Dworshak.

Photo: These two people were fishing on Dworshak Reservoir on a beautiful, clear morning in early August. Recreation opportunities abound at Dworshak no matter what the lake level.