Allan and Greg: Snake River - 8/10-12

We spent two and a half days pursuing walleyes on the Snake River. The weather changes were dramatic leading up to our arrival, and we experienced all kinds of weather during the weekend. Two days before we arrived, temperatures were above 100 degrees with smoke and haze. Fortunately, it only reached 90 degrees on our first day of fishing (Sat). Blazing sunshine turned into thunderstorms, and we retreated to Allan’s RV by 4 PM. On Sunday, a persistent cold rain soaked us until about noon, then a 10 to 20 mph wind blew until early evening. The weather on Monday was perfect with a light breeze and comfortable temperatures. Despite the variability in the weather, our fishing was remarkably consistent. Saturday: 3 walleyes, 20 smallmouth bass. Sunday: 4 walleyes, 20 smallmouth bass, 8 perch, 1 catfish. Monday: 3 walleyes, 20 smallmouth bass. The walleyes ranged from 15 inches to 25 inches.

More information for club members: We found no reliable pattern for catching walleyes. Each day we fished a different part of the river from Little Goose to as far west as Lower Monumental. Six walleyes were caught on crankbaits (Bandits and Cabela’s Walleye Runners performed best). Three walleyes were caught on blade baits, and one walleye caught on a bouncer/Smile Blade rig. Walleyes were caught as shallow as 12 feet and as deep as 38 feet.