Scotty's Towing

Here are my top 5 of the Western States, the spring "Bait fishing holes" for trout.

I am not a fly fisherman costume, I've tried and just can not get the donation. I like to sit, relax and enjoy the environment while I fish. I also like to keep and eat what I catch.

I am based on the first places these factors; great fishing, great views and easy to get there.

So here;

Owyhee River.

Fishing for spring (before April), on the Owyhee River in southern Oregon is fantastic. This 10-mile stretch of the river below Owyhee Dam is just 30 miles from my home in Ontario, Oregon, or about 80 miles from Boise. So here's a little local knowledge.

You can say, "This is a fly fishing famous" Yes, it is a favorite "trophy brown trout" haven for anglers, but here's a little known secret, it is also open to "bait fishing" and a skilled fisherman baits may land more than the Browns bigger than the fly-fishing.

This river has a rustic beauty all it own, especially in early spring when snow still clinging to sparkling white valleys and hills. The river is low and slow this time of year and you can easily see the monster up for the Browns bugs floating on the surface. There are hundreds of these Browns in every hole. You can easily take a huge brown trout here, ranging from 2 lbs to 20 lbs and 20 inches to Rainbows.

Note that you must immediately return the Browns to the huge river, but you can keep and eat the whole rainbow trout or bass you catch. This is why there are so many monster Browns in these holes, they never leave the river, they become more just and more intelligent.

Legal "bait fishing is allowed here, but you need a thick skin, you'll look like the purest (Fly Guys) during their passage. This river is very clean and free of Toxic lead prevalent in western rivers, so you can eat the red meated Rainbows and the occasional bass.

You can easily drive to the camp and just next to the river for free. Make sure to pack everything you bring in and keep it clean. Just set up your chairs and do some relaxation "bait" or you can put on your waders and chase the Browns up and down the creek. Wading is easy along the shallow river easily accessible.

Bring your four-wheeler or canoe and easily browse the banks of the meandering river. Make yourself a lunch and have plenty of bait, the nearest store is 10 to 15 miles.

Tip: try a robot night and Split Shot, derived in the current.

Horsethief Reservoir:

In the late spring trying Horsethief Reservoir, just 10 miles above Cascade, Idaho.

This small lake is my favorite place, spring, summer or fall. In spring (late April) just after "ice-off", the trout fishing is amazing. You can limit one hour with Rainbows Tote-able 8 to 14 inches, at 20 incher.

But that's not all, let me tell you a true story, In the early summer my friend, Scotty, and I went to Horsethief a day trip, travel outside Cascade, where I lived. We have set up next to the dam, our usual place.

While lounging on a grassy bank, the lake pristine blue water, I looked away from the banks lined with trees. Suddenly, a flood wave and a dark stain in the water at my feet made me jump. It took me a couple minutes to realize that it was an otter.