Ten tips for catching Idaho's biggest fish this summer - Idaho Fish and Game

Go where the big fish are

Sounds obvious, but there's more to it. Fish need several things to grow big, including ample food, security from predators, and good growing conditions. With the rare exception, that probably doesn't mean your local pond. Be prepared to fish larger bodies of water, such as large reservoirs, natural lakes and big rivers. Certain waters have a reputation for producing big fish. Look at the Idaho State Records webpage to see some of those places, and remember there are many others. 

Go low

Not water depths, but lower elevations, which have longer growing seasons. Mountain lakes are beautiful, and some can produce large fish, such as Henrys Lake, but you're more likely to find larger fish at lower elevations. When fish have a longer growing season and lots of food, they have a much better chance to grow big. Unfortunately, water conditions can be challenging in some waters during the heat of summer when they get warm and water levels are lower. But you can still fish larger bodies of water and adapt to summer conditions, or wait until fall when they cool down and fish become more active. 

Know your quarry 

Pick a specific species you're interested in, then pick a waterbody where they live and study their habits. Use Fish and Game's Fishing Planner where you can filter different waters by species. Anyone can get lucky occasionally, but anglers who target trophy-sized fish know their habits, prey, feeding patterns and likely hangouts. Remember big fish typically act different than smaller fish, and savvy anglers will learn those habits and use them to their advantage. 

Use big bait, and that means lures, too 

It's a simple fact that big fish need more calories, and they're going to go after bigger food, which is often smaller fish. You may end up trolling a lure the size of some of the fish you normally catch. That's what the big ones are looking for. Consider upsizing your tackle to handle bigger baits and fish. Species like sturgeon, catfish, salmon and lake trout require stout rods and heavier line, so be prepared.  

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