Wet weather should help area anglers

The flurries of sleet and the chilled rain might be miserable for humans, but they're great for fish, according to Jeff Smith with Fins and Feathers Tackle Shop and Guide Service.

And likewise good for fishing, too.

"Even though it seems nasty, and it is, it might actually improve the fishing on Lake Coeur d'Alene," Smith said. "It'll get water flowing for the salmon and the pike."

Pike fishing has been successful from both the shore and from boats on Lake Coeur d'Alene, Smith said. He suggested using smelt or herring, and using bait underneath a bobber. Wolf Lodge, Carlin Bay and Rockford Bay are popular spots.

The most preferred hooks are the treble hook and the Swedish pike hook, he added.

Salmon is also being snagged on the south end of the lake, he said, and he suggested trolling helmeted herring at 10 to 20 depths.

The biggest fish caught this past weekend was 14 pounds, Smith noted.

"That's a nice salmon, man, that's a dandy," he said.

Rose Lake is also prime for open water fishing, he said. The lake's particularly cold water makes it a good early season lake, he said.

"You can put a small boat in there, fish for pan fish, like crappie or bluegill, or bass, and have a reasonable chance for success," he said.

Other Chain Lakes fishermen have to "hunt and scratch," because the water is still low, he said, like on Killarney Lake.

The best fishing on the Chain Lakes is for northern pike, he said. He advised throwing lures, as the pike life cycle is quicker than on Lake Coeur d'Alene.

He wouldn't hesitate to throw some Husky Jerk Rapalas or Daredevil spoons, too, he said.

"Pike can have a hard time resisting that fresh tasting bait," he said. "That's part of their downfall."

Good fishing is slowly but surely getting under way, as ice is melting away and anglers are starting to go after pike and bass.

Blue Creek and Wolf Lodge offer the best bays on Lake Coeur d'Alene for pike, said Blake Becker of Black Sheep Sporting Goods. Throw dead bait, like smelt with steel leaders, either from boats or from the banks. Pike are going to be one of the first to spawn, so they'll be hunkering down in beds about 5 feet deep in water. Throw the lines there, and the protective pike will hit the bait.

Bass season is slow for both large and smallmouth.

They're not as active as pike, but can be caught on Hayden and Coeur d'Alene lakes. Use a very slow approach, dragging a jig on the bottom of the lake. Red Eye Shads work well, Becker said.

Fly fishing on the Coeur d'Alene River, believe it or not, is well under way, too.

Brad Zierer of Black Sheep Sporting Goods said trout are going after nymph patterns, like Prince Nymphs and Wooly Buggers.

The river might rise if the rain keeps up, but with water temperatures around 45 degrees, conditions are close to ideal, Zierer said.

Pat Way of Orvis Northwest Outfitters in Coeur d'Alene said recent rains have fly fishers waiting in the wings.

"We expect the local rivers to come up considerably with a week of rain in the forecast," Way said. "It becomes more of an issue of water clarity and volume combined."

He added, "I have had some good days on the Coeur d'Alene River during high water, but we had a few feet of visibility."

For the most up-to-date report, he said, fishermen will have to call or swing by the shop.

"After this small high water event, we expect a normal runoff," Way said.

A few Eastern Washington lakes are fishing well, as is Rocky Ford Spring Creek, he said.

Ice fishing on North Idaho lakes is gradually winding down with warmer temperatures, but there's still plenty of fish to be caught as spring comes on, said Dan Harris of Cabela's.

"There's still some ice fishing on some lakes, but it's not great," Harris said. "Guys are using planks to go out there. I wouldn't recommend it."

Liberty Lake has been busy in recent days.

"It's been hit hard because it's open and there's plenty of fish," Harris said.

Browns have been up to 20 inches, and there's also decent walleye and rainbows, he said.

"They're trolling with rapalas for browns and wedding rings for rainbows," Harris said.

Chinook fishing is heating up on Lake Coeur d'Alene. The fish keep rising and the outlook is only going to get better, Harris said.

"Instead of 5- to 6-pounders, it seems like there's a lot being caught in the low teens," Harris said.

Pike fishing in the bays is also steadily improving.

"Nothing huge yet that I've heard of," Harris said.

Rose Lake is also open, but it's still a little early for good bass fishing, Harris said. It's a good time to get hooks sharpened and gear up for the season, he added.