Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass fishing around Mountain Home, Idaho, can be surprisingly good, especially in the Snake River. The section of the Snake near CJ Strike Reservoir is a great place to start. Look for rocky outcroppings, submerged structure, and current breaks – smallmouth love these areas. The best time to target them is late spring through early fall, when the water temperatures are warmer. Early mornings and evenings are particularly productive. A local angler's secret is to use crayfish imitations or tube baits hopped along the bottom. Be prepared for some challenging conditions; the Snake can have strong currents and fluctuating water levels. CJ Strike Reservoir itself also holds smallmouth, and offers good boat access with several maintained boat ramps. The smallmouth in this region are known for being aggressive, making for exciting fishing.