Written by Dave Langston

With over 10 different lakes that harbor bass, southeast Idaho offers anglers an opportunity to score on largemouth's within a short driving distance from Pocatello and northern Utah.

But, which is the reservoir that holds not only quantity but also quality fish?
Hands down, Twin Lakes offers anglers not only a chance at landing a trophy fish but also loads of smaller 10-13 inch fish on a consistent basis. Located 16 miles northwest of Preston, Idaho, Twin Lakes is a family friendly reservoir with no length limits but bag limits still apply. A daily $5.00 charge is required at the entrance.

Twin Lakes are just that, two lakes connected by a canal system. Throughout most of the year anglers in boats can access both lakes but during low water years and in late a
August the canal dries up considerably and boats may not make the trek into both lakes.
Expect bass to range in the 12-inch range with different year classes mixed in. A large bass in here typically runs up to five pounds, but I do know that an angler pulled out a seven-pound-plus largemouth last year.

With sunken brush, mud flats and rocky points anglers have enough habitat to key in on largemouths. Morning hours and late evening hours are your best bet to land trophy bass as the water skiers and jet skiers are usually off the water at these times. Late night fishing with top water baits like jitterbugs or hula poppers can offer anglers some of the best top water bites they will ever experience.

During the mid-morning and afternoon hours slow things down by casting grubs in a salt-and-pepper or chartreuse colors bounced off the bottom and worked in the grass and brush. Also concentrate on sharp drop-offs leading to flats.

With spring coming quickly, look for anglers to land some of the monster bass this impoundment holds during the spawn in May and June.

Smallmouth bass in the Snake River below American Falls Reservoir have been averaging two to five pounds during periods of warm weather as they congregate back into the mud flats near springs and rocky inlets. They gorge on crawfish and minnows and are very susceptible during this narrow window of time.

Brown grubs with a split yellow tail are top bets, but it is hard to beat a crawfish colored Rebel crank bait worked quickly along shorelines' adjacent to rocky points.
Another good bet is deep drop-off ledges near mud flats. Last year we nailed seven fish over four pounds in one outing fishing in areas like this. Bounce grubs across flats and let them flutter down the drop-off. We had to do a lot of casting but large hogs hang in these areas and anglers willing to spend the time will score.

Idaho Fish and Game has changed the regulations in this area due to an increase in fishing pressure and also a large turn out of angry bass fisherman who have complained over the years of anglers harvesting spawning bass. I agree that a change was needed and we now have a two fish limit with a 12-inch size restriction. You can still go and have a good time catching and releasing, snapping a few good pictures in the process.