Largemouth Bass

New Plymouth, Idaho, though not as widely known as some other Idaho fishing destinations, offers some surprisingly good largemouth bass fishing opportunities. The Payette River and surrounding irrigation canals and ponds hold decent populations of largemouth. These fish thrive in the warmer, slower-moving waters. Summer is prime time, especially during the early morning and late evening hours when the bass are most active. Focus on areas with vegetation or structure, as these provide cover for the bass. A local tip is to use topwater lures like frogs or buzzbaits in the early morning, especially around lily pads and weed beds. Also, be aware that water levels in the irrigation canals can fluctuate, so check conditions before you go. The largemouth in this area tend to be opportunistic feeders, so don't be afraid to experiment with different lure types and retrieves.