Five Top Fishing Places Around Moscow Idaho

Here are five top fishing spots around Moscow, Idaho. These are not the only places to fish, but are good ones. And they are not secrets, either.

1. Spring Valley Reservoir. Mention fishing around town and the most common `place' to come up in the conversation is Spring Valley Reservoir. Despite its popularity, proximity, and modest size, it always seems to produce (fish). It is a great family fishing place, as all can taste `success' at Spring Valley. Perhaps Spring Valley's ability to consistently produce is due stocking of seemingly staggering numbers of fish by the Idaho Fish and Game Department. Crappie, Sunfish, Catfish, Bass, and Trout - all come out of Spring Valley - maybe even on the same day - and by the angling family.

2. Moose Creek Reservoir. Farther east of Spring Valley (past Deary but before Bovill) is the turnoff (left) for Moose Creek Reservoir. Go after the Rainbow Trout there, stocked by Idaho Fish and Game, though other fish are reported present. It's smaller than Spring Valley, and stocked a bit less. `Word' has it that `timing' is important at Moose Creek. (A good `time' to fish is after `stocking'.)

3. Elk Creek Reservoir. Continuing east past Bovill and on to the tiny town of Elk River, find Elk Creek Reservoir. Elk Creek Reservoir is another great place to bring the family. Just the drive to Elk River is worth it, or to relax beside or on the lake. Go after trout there, though bass, sunfish, and other various water creatures also live there.

4. Clearwater River. Now for bigger water, moving water. South and east of Moscow, with its mouth at Lewiston, is the Clearwater River. Your first thought the first time you see this river will likely be marvel at how clear the water is. Lewis and Clark explored along it on their journey west. The River's big draw is Steelhead fishing. Steelhead are sea-run Rainbow Trout. The Steelhead in the Clearwater are among the largest in the world - the theory being that they have so far to swim (Pacific Ocean and back). Not only do the fish go west (to the Ocean) as did Lewis and Clark, they keep going, and have been found amazing distances out at sea. Additional permits are required to fish for Steelhead, and its advisable to use heavier equipment for these bigger fish. Chinook Salmon also `run' the Clearwater (and are even bigger!). Check current regulations to see if there is a season for the Salmon.

5. Hordemann Pond. Finally, Hordemann Pond, within the City of Moscow. Many Moscow youth have caught their first fish right here in town at the annual Kiwanis fishing clinic. And once bored with `fishing', children can search for turtles and other creatures. The pond is part of Kiwanis Park and is at "D" and Eisenhower in the east part of town. Word has it that this year's clinic is set for April 25 (2009).

Sources

Idaho Fishing Planner, Idaho Fish and Game Department, P.O. Box 25, Boise, ID 83707, www.fishandgame.idaho.gov.

City of Moscow, 206 East Third Street, Moscow, Idaho 83843, www.moscow.id.us.

Doug Wood, Secretary, Moscow Kiwanis.