Fish early, late on hot days

With the recent heat wave, it's a good idea for anglers to avoid the hottest times of the day to go out.

"Fish early, fish late and start off a little deeper because it's warmer," said Steve Holweg of Cabela's.

Holweg recommends fishing deeper for kokanee on Lake Coeur d'Alene - 40 to 50 feet deep.

"The big thing is to use electronics if you have them," he said.

If you're doing an evening outing, Holweg recommends waiting until 6 p.m. or so.

"You've got two and a half or three hours of fishing time even in a boat," he said. "You'll still be able to get the boat off the water and still be safe."

For bluegill and crappie fishing, Holweg said to try jigs tipped with either maggots or a worm under a bobber.

"A lot of guys also like Berkley power bait; that's what I use most of the time," he said.

Holweg said a 1-inch Berkley power minnow has worked well on Hauser.

For bass, try plastics and fish the covered areas.

"They'll be deep inside grass or brush, trying to get as much relief from the heat as they can," Holweg said. "They won't be too far out in the middle of the lakes."

Holweg said anglers also may want to try the lilly pad areas.

"They provide shade and cover and you can fish the edges of them with a jig," he said. "You can also try a frog on top."

Anglers are reminded to stay hydrated during the hotter temperatures.

"Make sure you take some water in the cooler," Holweg said.