The cutthroat trout spawning run is still going on, but many fish have spawned and returned to the lake where they are beginning to feed again. Trolling is the most popular method for catching cutthroat and lake trout during the summer months. Try trolling flat lines behind your boat, 100-feet or more works good in the early morning hours. Look for “flotsam” line (debris on the surface in long rows parallel to shore). These occur mainly on the eastern side of Bear Lake where wind and upwelling currents concentrate debris and insects on the surface. After the sun comes up, use lead core line or down riggers to go deeper. Pay attention to your sonar and search for fish until you find some that are active. Popular lures to use include minnow-type lures, flat fish and dodger/squid combinations. Popular colors are chrome, white and fluorescent colors. If you are interested in casting for fish (fly or lures) try off the mouths of South and North Eden canyons in the early mornings and late evenings when insects get blown out onto the surface of the lake.

You can also try jigging for fish off the east side of the lake from First Point north to the Idaho State Park. Begin fishing on the bottom in 50- to 65-feet of water, move deeper if you are not seeing fish on your sonar. Use tube jigs or swim baits in ½ to 1 ounce sizes and 3- to 6-inches long, tipped with cisco, sucker meat or Gulp minnows. Reliable colors are white, green and chartreuse.

Other Articles Bear River National Wildlife Refuge, Bear Lake's Cisco, Joy or a Curse?

• Cutthroat
• Lake Trout
• Rainbow