Fishing Report For Dworshak Reservoir, ID

By Rick Seaman

February 28, 2025

Popular Fish Species Reports
Dworshak Reservoir Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Today's Weather & Forecast
Marinas
Boat Launch Ramps
Fishing License
Map
Contact Info

Fishing Report Dworshak Reservoir, ID

Fishing Reports

Popular Fish Species Dworshak Reservoir, ID

Smallmouth Bass

Current Report: Good To Very Good
Outlook: Poor Very Good To Excellent

Dworshak Reservoir is widely-known as an exceptional trophy smallmouth bass fishery. Many smallies weighing 5 pounds or more, are consistently caught each year, with the lake record well over 9 pounds. Locals report catching smallmouth on anything that resembles baitfish or crawfish. Mid-range crankbaits and jerkbaits are a good way to cover lots of water. Jigs and tube baits work well for picking apart rocky structure and ledges.The fishing is often good on cold, windy, cloudy and rainy days.

Kokanee Salmon

Current Report: Fair
Outlook: Fair To Good

Due to complication of an over populated fishery, kokanee are running smaller now than in previous years. Prospects do look good for the future, so this year could be a good time to chase down some quality kokanee. Locals concentrate in the area around Dent in Spring through July. Reports of better fishing in the area around Grandad Campground, begin in late July through Early September. Trolling with salmon spinner rigs, spoons and hair jigs all work well here..

Rainbow Trout

Current Report: Good To Very Good
Outlook: Very Good

10,000 catchable rainbow trout are stocked each year to maintain a great trout fishery for anglers. The diet of a rainbow trout consists of insects, small fishes and crustaceans. Use flies or small lures, imitating their natural food, to tempt them into biting. Small spinners, miniature crankbaits and swimbaits are also catching rainbows here, as are nightcrawlers, salmon eggs and prepared baits. Fly fishing. casting and trolling are all catching decent rainbows.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for smallmouth bass, black crappie, rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, kokanee salmon and steelhead at Dworshak Reservoir in Idaho.

Dworshak Reservoir is 50 miles long, covers 16,500 surface acres, and has 175 miles of shoreline. This lake is home to kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, crappie and catfish. Shoreline fishing is available along sections of the roads that run close to the lake, and at both ends of Dent Bridge.

Primary fish species to catch

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Today's Weather & Forecast

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Click here for boat ramps available at this lake.

Marinas

Click here for marinas available at this lake.

Fishing License

Click here for a Idaho Fishing License.

Map - Fishing & Access

Rick Seaman is a fishing enthusiast with over five decades of fishing experience, a retired tournament fisherman, author of numerous published articles on fishing, and co-author of the book "Bass Fishing - It's not WHAT you throw, It's WHERE you throw it".