Bass Fishing CJ Strike Reservoir Idaho for the first time: Hello fellow fisherman. I live in Nampa Idaho and have been fishing for bass since the 80"s but in Southern California mostly...

Chris CG Loc: Nampa, Idaho

Hello fellow fisherman. I live in Nampa Idaho and have been fishing for bass since the 80"s but in Southern California mostly at Castaic Lake, Bass Lake, Pine Flats and other local lakes. I moved to Idaho 7 years ago and after recovering from a brutal divorce I am now loving life here in this state. So my question is if any of you have fished CJ Strike and might have a few tips on approaching this area for small and large mouth bass ? I am going to spend 4 days at this spot and try and have a long earned vacation. I have a boat all set up for fishing so any advise would be great.
After these days I will head up to Brownlee reservoir for three days to fish and camp. I will be fishing during the last part of September.
Thank you,
Chris

Elkhunter107 Loc: Washington

My buddy fishes it all the time and camps there look for big boulder flats, structure in deeper columns and rip rap from 12-30ft typical bass gear works here lots of smallies

Randyhartford Loc: Lawrence, Kansas

Chris CG wrote:

Hello fellow fisherman. I live in Nampa Idaho and ... (show quote)

Thank you for a great introduction, Chris. I know nothing about Idaho fishing, but just want to welcome you to FS. There are some members in your part of the country and hopefully will be along soon. There is a wealth of experience here on the stage and we look forward to gleaning some from you. Also, we love pictures!

Chris CG Loc: Nampa, Idaho

Thank you Randy. I am looking forward to sharing some good conversations with people that share the love of fishing. Got it / pictures.

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

I fish almost nothing but wacky rig Yamamoto stick baits from three to six inches with no extra weight. I cast as close to the bank as I can. Most of the banks are rocky and steep. Fish the shady side of the narrows in the morning as long as you have shade. Once the shade is gone move to the incoming river. An exception is if you are an early riser, not like me, use a surface lure (I used a floating fat 2" rebel) slow popped across the surface. Nearly all the bass I have caught have been smallmouth. The few largemouth have caught have been nice fish. Side note: If you plan to eat fish, the lake is full of crappie and perch. I fish the narrows for crappie in any pocket with a 1/8 oz round head jig dressed with a yellow and white tube under a float. Let us know how it goes and take pictures. Fish perch near the dam.

stevarinos Loc: SW Idaho

just a quick suggestion, check the fish and game sites to see if they still have the alert for an algae bloom on both C.J Strike and Brownlee. they both had alerts earlier this summer!

Chris CG Loc: Nampa, Idaho

I will do that and thank you for the info. Fishing strange waters is exciting and I love it but having a few good tips can sure help.

Chris CG Loc: Nampa, Idaho

Sounds like good information and it is much appreciated. Funny thing is that I do not eat fish but love the sport of it and is my style of hunting without killing any of them. That is a win win situation for me and hope I have several more years to enjoy it.
Thank you !

Chris CG Loc: Nampa, Idaho

I will do that but unless it is real bad I still go fishing as I catch and release everyone of them. I live 5 minutes from lake Lowell which has an abundant amount of bass, but gets that bloom also.

Thank you,
Chris

MStone Loc: Hayden Lake, Idaho

I just found this…

https://www.sportfishingmag.com/news/idaho-state-record-10-foot-sturgeon-caught-and-released/

Chris CG Loc: Nampa, Idaho

I did see that on the local news and was very surprised how big it was. When I first moved here I watched some videos about catching them in the river. I thought "man I have to do that" but after watching how long it takes to finally bring them up to the surface, I decided that it would remind me of pulling up a chunk of wood. I will stick to the bass for now.

Thank you,
Chris

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

Chris CG wrote:

I did see that on the local news and was very surprised how big it was. When I first moved here I watched some videos about catching them in the river. I thought "man I have to do that" but after watching how long it takes to finally bring them up to the surface, I decided that it would remind me of pulling up a chunk of wood. I will stick to the bass for now.

Thank you,
Chris

Just keep in mind that a chunk of wood does not burn line off your real or jump clear of the water. A chunk of wood also does not shake its head trying to jerk the rod out of your hand.

Chris CG Loc: Nampa, Idaho

LOL> Ya I know but I was only making a joke about it.

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

Chris CG wrote:

LOL> Ya I know but I was only making a joke about it.

Chris, put your response in the "Quote response" under whatever post you are responding to if you are not responding to the original subject.. It will still show to all, like a "Quick Response" but will have the post you are responding to attached. It is easy. Just hit quick response and type in your comment. By doing that we all know who you are responding to.

Chris CG Loc: Nampa, Idaho

bapabear wrote:

Chris, put your response in the "Quote response" under whatever post you are responding to if you are not responding to the original subject.. It will still show to all, like a "Quick Response" but will have the post you are responding to attached. It is easy. Just hit quick response and type in your comment. By doing that we all know who you are responding to.

Thank you for the information. Have much to learn on this site.