Brownlee Reservoir Idaho May Bass Fishing: Headed to Brownlee the week before Memorial Day to try my hand at Bass Fishing. I typically fish kokanee and trout and know very little about...

Cybersnow Loc: McCall, Idaho

Headed to Brownlee the week before Memorial Day to try my hand at Bass Fishing. I typically fish kokanee and trout and know very little about bass fishing. My boat does have a trolling motor but i have only used it on no engine lakes for fly fishing in late summer. Any advice on where to fish and what kind of gear to use is highly appreciated.

Jeremy Loc: America

Cybersnow wrote:

Headed to Brownlee the week before Memorial Day to try my hand at Bass Fishing. I typically fish kokanee and trout and know very little about bass fishing. My boat does have a trolling motor but i have only used it on no engine lakes for fly fishing in late summer. Any advice on where to fish and what kind of gear to use is highly appreciated.

There is Catfish there too. Be aware of contamination and read up on health advisory there.

Bassthird Loc: Private Idaho

Rocky points should put you on fish. Check surface temperature. If the temperature is in the fifties to sixties, jerkbaits should work. Storm wigglewarts in brownish colors.
You can use tubes and grubs and expect to do well.
It’s a pretty good fishery and a great place to fish even without a ton of bass fishing experience.
Don’t eat the first until you check for safety, I know Jeremy mentioned that, but it’s worth repeating.
I hope you have more fun then legally allowed.

Cybersnow Loc: McCall, Idaho

Thanks, any idea about colors and types of jerk baits. Will spinnig rods be ok or should i invest in casting gear?

Bassthird Loc: Private Idaho

JBL, I prefer perch and gold, that’s a a personal preference, but I think those have been really really good to me and bad for bass.
As far as gear goes, spinning or casting for jerk baiting, I fisc crankbaits on casting gear.
For the most part, I would encourage you to use what enables you to be most efficient and effective.
A local bait shop or posting might help you narrow down your options.
Thanks for not falling asleep
Tim

Bassthird Loc: Private Idaho

Not sure if I replied to you or someone else.
Casting or spinning for jerk bait (gold or perch has been good to me)
I definitely use casting for crankbaits. However, I would encourage you to use whatever allows you to be most effective and efficient. Grubs and tubes; brown,tan and green pumpkin would be the first colors I would reach for.
Check local tackle shops or google brownlee fishing.
Have all kinds of fun!

Cybersnow Loc: McCall, Idaho

Thanks for the info! There is a little store near one of the Brownlee campgrounds, i will ask again there.

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

My brother fished with a guide there and killed it on Yamamoto pumpkin stick baits 5" and 6"wacky rigged with no weights and using a dead fall presentation by the dam. When I went back on my own, my boat was to small to to play in the fast current by the dam. I headed down river about a mile and caught more than my share of bass on the same rig.

Cybersnow Loc: McCall, Idaho

My little fishing boat is only a 14.5 so i wasnt thinking of getting near the dam. I will look up what a Yamamoto pumpkin stick and wacky rig is. Thanks.

Fishing Fool Loc: redding, ca

I know two professional bass fisherman and tehy have caught more bass on Neko rigs tha any other type of lure in all kinds of conditions. They like fishing rocky points and water above 65 degrees. Colors of theri worms depends on water color and depth of fishing. This past week they were catching in 35 feet of water and temperature of 55 degrees. They fish all year long at least 2-3 times per week.

Cybersnow Loc: McCall, Idaho

I looked up the neko rig and jerkbaits along with yamamoto pumpkin sticks. I do have a couple of 4-10lb trout spinning rods. Will they be ok with 8lb test? Living in the mountains thete are no tackle shops other than a fly fishing shop. I see amazon has a neko kit but should i be buying from a place like bass pro?

Sorry for all the questions, but absolutely new at bass fishing.

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

The stick baits I Use are Yamamoto Senko's. I hook through an 0 ring. They last longer. I hook in the center with 1/0 red salmon hook. Get several packs. If you find fish, you will need them. Your light line is fine but I use heavier to survive more snags. cast right up to the edge of the riprap. then work out. The fish that time of year may be in as little as two feet of water. I prefer steep riprap banks, often landing on land and jumping the worm into the water.
That gives you an idea of how close. If I get no action after a reasonable try, I switch to 3" senko inch and finally to a 3.5 inch keitech paddle tail swim bait that I work along the bottom following the drop off. The key to all thee is slow. I often get bites on my Keiteck on the bottom when I set my rod down to do something else like get a drink.

Bassthird Loc: Private Idaho

Well you’re getting some sage advice, you’re gonna likely be fishing in a rocky neighborhood.
Know your depth and remember soft plastic costs less than hard plastic. I use 8lb test a lot, don’t skimp on hooks. If they are sharp, you can use a reel set even with lighter gear.

Cybersnow Loc: McCall, Idaho

I am thinking that my little trout rods wont do the job. I read that a 7’ medium rod with a size 2500 reel loaded with 10’ braid should do the trick. Does that sound about right? Any recommendations on a rod and reel? I found a small tackle shop in a neighboring town and will travel there first to see what they have. They are on a lake known for its perch so i dont know how much bass gear they will have. Amazon has rods and reels also. Is a glass spinning rod ok?

Fishing Fool Loc: redding, ca

Cybersnow wrote:

I am thinking that my little trout rods wont do the job. I read that a 7’ medium rod with a size 2500 reel loaded with 10’ braid should do the trick. Does that sound about right? Any recommendations on a rod and reel? I found a small tackle shop in a neighboring town and will travel there first to see what they have. They are on a lake known for its perch so i dont know how much bass gear they will have. Amazon has rods and reels also. Is a glass spinning rod ok?

I've caught lotw of bass on my trout rods. You just need to play them like a trout. Most bass guys want to jerk them in the boat immediately and use stiffer rods and up to 20 pound braid. You can ge a good ugly stick combo from Amazon for $69-$79. That for a 6 1/2 or 7 foot medium. It's hard to beat an ugly stick.