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My wife and I spent a couple days with Craig Dowdy of Yankin Jaw Guide Service fishing for cats on the Palouse/Snake confluence. What a great couple days...thanks Craig! We've fished there in the past and needed to refine our knowledge of the fishery which Craig was more than happy to provide. I'm not too proud to admit when I don't know what or how to approach a fishery and rather than thrash around and waste time, I'll hire a guide who knows. That particular fishery has some nuances that make it interesting. I believe Craig will rate at the top for sharing information. Some guides hold their cards so close to their vest that you either don't learn anything or find yourself frustrated asking questions. Anyway, I highly recommend Craig. Fact is, we'll be using Craig for the sturgeon fishery coming up at LIttle Granite Dam in June.

We fished the flats just into the shallow area (watch out...under 2' deep!) and then all the way up the Palouse several miles to an area just up stream from "the island". We don't normally take fish, but I love catfish so we came home with 27 pounds of fillets. All of the fish were in the 4 to 9 pound range which are perfect eating fish. A couple of pics are attached. All of the cats were channel although last year we caught a couple giant blue cats (16 lbs, and 14 lbs.).

We used cut bait with scent (crawdad/anise) on #2 circle hooks, 2oz weights on a sliding swivel. Worked great.

Craig also pulled out a secret weapon: Mormon crickets. There's really a funny story behind these crickets, but I won't waste anyone's time relaying the details.

uplandsandpiper

5/6/2015 7:46:00 PM

Nice. I was wondering if this fishery my pop off earlier this year with the warmer water temps.

Rocky

5/6/2015 7:51:00 PM

Thanks for the report I don't know about those crickets Way to go Craig.

SnoKing

5/7/2015 7:40:00 PM

Upland, March was said to produce a larger average fish. I've been there in early April and did Ok but I had to move around a lot more to find the fish. Most were schooled up in holes although Craig proved that the holes really don't produce as well as the flats. The cats follow the carp spawn and eat the eggs left by the carp. Later, the cats spawn upriver. I did notice that some of the cats held eggs. I've also been there in early June and did real well although it's way too hot during the day. Evening fishing is the best bet.

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