The Palouse River has been on my radar for awhile and I was finally able to make it down on Memorial Day. I arrived at the State Park launch at 8am, which was good timing because that's when the park opens. Next time I plan to use the KOA boat launch and get an earlier start.

I wanted to explore upriver, but I took my time since I was unfamiliar with the shallow areas. I went up the West side and the depth was decent up to around the Marmes Rock Shelter, then it got shallow (<2') until I reached the river channel.

I finally started fishing around 9am. My goal was to find some post-spawn walleye so I started with bottom walkers and smile blades. After a couple hours trolling up and down the river, I ended up with a descent mess of perch and two of the smallest walleye I have ever caught. I think an earlier start would have definitely helped with the walleye bite. Most of the perch I caught in less than 8'.

I hung some bait over the side while I took a break for lunch and was interrupted by a 6lb catfish. Next time I need to spend more time targeting some channel cats!

Oh and if you want to catch Carp this is the time and place for you. There were hundreds on them up the river and in the flats.

All in all a great day on the water. I will be back for sure.

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