Boise, Idaho

What's biting

• Rainbow Trout

  Where: Boise River main stem, especially deeper runs and pools below diversion dams; Lucky Peak Reservoir and Arrowrock Reservoir.

  Water temps dropping into the high 50s°F (14–15°C) trigger aggressive feeding. Fish nymphs (Hare's Ear, Pheasant Tail) in current seams and behind large rocks; early morning and late afternoon are prime. Spin anglers should work small spinners and spoons in deeper pools.

• Cutthroat Trout

  Where: Upper Boise River tributaries (South Fork, Middle Fork) and high-elevation lakes in the Boise foothills; Payette River system.

  Native cutts are moving into deeper water as summer heat fades. Fish small dry flies (Stimulators, Caddis) at dawn and dusk; nymphing with small dark patterns works all day. Respect catch-and-release areas—check current regs.

• Smallmouth Bass

  Where: Lucky Peak Reservoir, Arrowrock Reservoir, and slower sections of the Boise River with rocky structure.

  Early fall is prime: water temps in the 60s°F (15–18°C) push bass into shallower rocky areas to feed before winter. Throw crankbaits, soft plastics, and topwater near structure at dawn; work deeper (3–5 m / 10–16 ft) by midday.

• Kokanee Salmon

  Where: Lucky Peak Reservoir and Arrowrock Reservoir, 6–12 m (20–40 ft) deep.

  Fall spawning run begins mid-September; fish are aggressive on small spoons and jigging. Troll or jig in the deeper basins; dawn and dusk are most productive. Verify current season dates with Idaho Department of Fish and Game.

• Perch

  Where: Lucky Peak Reservoir and Arrowrock Reservoir, particularly around submerged structure and drop-offs.

  Yellow perch school heavily in fall as water cools. Small jigs, live minnows, and spinners work well in 2–4 m (6–13 ft) of water. Productive all day, but early morning often yields the fastest action.