FISHING — The Lake Pend Oreille Fishery Recovery Task Force and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game will update the status of trout and kokanee in Lake Pend Oreille at the annual “State of the Lake” public meeting next week.

to discuss the status of fish populations in Lake Pend Oreille, the progress of the fishery recovery effort, and potential rule changes for 2013. 

The meeting is set for 6 p.m. Wednesday Feb. 22 at the Ponderay Events Center by the Bonner Mall north of Sandpoint. 

Wisconsin-based lake trout expert Mike Hansen will offer his perspective on the progress of the program to control lake trout and restore the Pend Oreilee kokanee fishery. 

Presentations will summarize the 2011 predator removal efforts, including lake trout netting, telemetry, and the Angler Incentive Program, and the response of the lake’s fishery to the recovery effort. 

Info: (208) 769-1414. 

FISHING — Bait fishing for triploid rainbow trout has been hot at Lake Rufus Woods, especially  near the lower net pens, says Anton Jones of Darrell and Dad's Family Guide Service.

New flavors of Pautzke baits work, he said.

“Mallow Balls O’ Fire, American Wildfire, Atomic Garlic and Garlic Wildfire all got woofed when the bite was on,” he said, noting that they continued to get fish when the faster bite had turned off. 

“Refine your old slip sinker bait fishing techniques for better success at Rufus,” he said.

• “First, lengthen your leaders.  Instead of 2 to 3 feet, your leaders should be 4 to 6 feet. 
• “Second, vary your weight as the current changes.  To be consistent you have to be able to feel the bottom.  You can be going 70 to over 90 feet deep to get at these pellet-eating fish. 
• “Third, use a big chunk of bait.  We usually are putting a gob of bait big enough to hide a #4 hook.  
• “Finally, don’t just let it sit there.  If you don’t get bit, move the bait.  Recast often.”

FISHING — Here's the latest fishing report from Lake Rufus Woods on the Columbia River downstream from Grande Coulee Dam.

It comes from Anton Jones (above with a 9-pound triploid rainbow) of Darrell & Dad's Family Guide Service.

This is a great time to fish Rufus Woods for triploid rainbows.  The numbers aren’t what they were a couple of months ago, but the average size is better. 

Troll smile blade flies just under the surface or cast one quarter ounce black roostertails to catch fish around the lower three net pens.  If that isn’t happening, move up to the lower pens and fish green or red Pautzke’s fire bait off the bottom with a slip sinker rig. 

If the current is pushing good, add a Mack’s smile blade in front of the bait to attract those fat boys. 

FISHING —  Pigs. 

That's the best way to  describe the North Fork of the Clearwater rainbow trout that have tuned in to the feast of kokanee that come over and down through Dworshak Dam.

Read on for the story by Eric Barker of the Lewiston Tribune.