OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW
As more and more anglers fish new lakes, we head into the archives to learn how to effectively fish a new lake
the opportunity to attend the North Idaho Sportsmen’s Expo, located in Coeur D’ Alene, Idaho. Not only was I there to talk to customers about Mack’s Lure, but I was also invited to give seminars on Kokanee fishing by Hall of Fame Fisherman Jim Grassi. Before the show started, however, I took a few days and arrived early, so I could fish Hayden Lake (Ida.). I had been hearing how good the fishing was on this lake, and I was excited to get the boat in the water and fish a lake that I had never fished before.
first thing that you “ The must do when you arrive BY LANCE MERZ
PRO STAFF
Evolution is a key to our survival in the human race, so fishing is no different. Often times, many anglers will find a way of fishing to produce more fish. They will always use the same rod and reel, the same type of line, as well as the same lures. I grew up fishing with a bobber, a couple of split shot weights, a worm and a hook to catch my fish. Times, though, they are a-changin’, however. Several years ago I was afforded
on a lake that you’ve never fished before is to find the fish. LANCE MERZ | MACK’S LURE PRO STAFF
The lake in and of itself isn’t very big. A gorgeous view to be sure, this lake settles in a valley, which is surrounded by Douglas Fir and Pine trees all around the lake. Lavish homes are either on the shore or the hillside. The lake itself is only around 200 feet deep. Normally, I’m used to fishing Lake Chelan in Washington, where the lake is around 1,800 feet deep. The beauty of Kokanee fishing is that each lake has a different style
of fishing. The first day that I got to the Honeysuckle Boat launch, I observed some boats in the middle of the lake, trolling very slowly. I had received reports from the folks at Black Sheep Sporting Goods, as well as North 40 Outfitters, who relayed where the fishing was the best, what colors to use and what depths to find the fish at. They were pretty close, that’s for sure! The first thing that you must do when you arrive on a lake that you’ve never fished before is to find the fish. This may take some time, but don’t drop your gear if you can’t see them. You’re just wasting your time if you do. Sure enough, I found the fish at an early time of day and dropped my gear where I was spotting the most fish on my fish finder. It wasn’t long (probably three minutes) that I got my first bite. Fish on! These kokanee in this lake are a good fighting fish and it wasn’t long before I had three, four, and five fish in my boat. The limit per person for Kokanee on this lake is 15, which will fill even the mightiest of coolers. SHOP MACK’S LURE PRODUCTS
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