Summer heat? Angle for the pan fish

COEUR d'ALENE - Blake Becker, of Black Sheep Sporting Goods in Coeur d'Alene, said panfish like perch are a great option for hot summer days like these.

These smaller fish can be had in three to 10 feet of water, Becker said. Simple jig heads and little grubs are all it should take.

He recommends Fernan, Hayden and Cocolalla lakes.

Most bays on Lake Coeur d'Alene, at the north and south ends, could also produce perch and other panfish, he said.

Jordan Smith, of Fins and Feathers Tackle Shop in Coeur d'Alene, said smallmouth bass can be had using a twin-tail jig in eight to 12 feet of water.

"They're starting to move into a little bit deeper water" with the recent heat, Smith said.

He said to cast the jigs out, let them sink to the bottom and jig them back from there.

"They imitate a crawfish, and that's what they're feeding on this time of year," Smith said.

He said both Hayden Lake and Lake Coeur d'Alene should be productive.

Becker, at Black Sheep, said bass fisherman could also try some bright-colored grubs for regular action. Worm-like Senko lures are another offering for bass, Becker said.

Pike are striking down at the south end of Lake Coeur d'Alene and near Harrison, said Smith, at Fins and Feathers. Use spinner baits and spoons, he said.

The pike, like bass, have been moving a bit deeper because of the heat, Smith said.

"It's growing those weeds so fast," Smith said.

He said salmon fishing is a little slow on Lake Coeur d'Alene. But if someone goes, he recommended the standard - herring and helmet. Try at least 50 feet of water.

Kokanee fishing has been "hit or miss," but fishermen are doing OK down at the south end of Lake Coeur d'Alene, Smith said. Kokanee fishing up on the north end hasn't started yet, he said.

On the North Fork of the Coeur d'Alene River, early morning and late evening fishing is best, said Pat Way, of Orvis Northwest Outfitters in Coeur d'Alene.

During the day, he said, fisherman should adjust and try nymphing or toss streamers.

"There will be sporadic insect hatches throughout the day," Way said. Likely now are pale morning duns, several species of caddisfly, and some golden stoneflies.

Way said terrestrial insects are becoming more active. Ant or beetle patterns are OK, but it's too early for grasshoppers.

With the summer heat, the river will have more people out floating downstream. Way said fishermen should try and get above Prichard to avoid the innertubes and rafts.

As for the St. Joe River, Way said it is right on the cusp of being wadable for everybody.

"The St. Joe is just not quite in shape," he said.

Rainbows and cutthroats are being caught on the Clark Fork River between St. Regis and Superior, Mont., he said.

"That river is really moving fast," Way said. "Experienced rowers only."