By Dave Langston We all talk about the fish that got away, hey were anglers and we are proud of our catch and sometimes the fish we lost somehow turns into the next world record if we could have just landed it.

Bass, trout, sturgeon, steelhead and salmon are on most southeast Idaho angler’s minds at this time and provide us with tales of monsters that broke off and returned back into the depths from which they came. Giving us yet more stories to fabricate, telling our friends and family of the fish that nearly pulled them over board.

But, I have never heard stories of the “monster” bluegill, perch or crappie that tugged on the end of an angler’s line. Here are a few places I know that anglers can put some pan fish in the cooler and also help add to your stories in the future.

Twin Lakes



I know what your thinking, this impoundment is always mentioned in articles but there is a reason why. With help from Idaho Fish and Game, bass clubs and other organizations and individuals Twin Lakes has turned into a fish factory.

Sure you’re going to find largemouth bass and trout but most anglers do not realize it also boasts a population of bluegill, perch and crappie rivaled by none in this part of the state.

Anglers looking to put hand sized slabs of bluegill fillets on the dinner plate should concentrate here. During Late May into June bluegills start the spawning process and can be found in water only a foot or so deep. I have seen hundreds of big bull bluegill guarding nests and eager to take any small offering such as worms, crickets and flies along with micro jigs.

Perch are also in the shallows before the scorching summer months arrive. Again, these fish also take the same offerings as other pan fish. Most perch here are small in the 4-6 inch range but we have landed some brutes pushing 12 inches.

Crappies are just coming into their own, as they seem to have successful spawns and are growing larger yearly. You’re going to have to target these fish as they use different habitat than other pan fish. Find the wood and you’ll find the crappie. By fishing snags and downed logs with branches, you will increase your chances to land these tasty warm water fish. Worms, jigs and dead minnows are top bets fished below a bobber.

Lamont and Johnson

Both reservoirs located east of Preston and within a few miles of each other hold a large number of perch and bluegills. Most of the fish here are stunted. This is due to more fish than forage. Anglers need to harvest fish in order for a quality fishery to exist.

This is the reason why Twin Lakes is so successful. Anglers take fish home! But, first time anglers can expect fast fishing at both of these reservoirs using a worm below a bobber.

You’re going to find that most of the fish here run in the 4-6 inch range but you will occasionally land a large gill or perch. Also, be on the look out for tiger musky. Both reservoirs hold this species and they will attack almost any offering when offered. We landed a two footer last year fishing for bass…this one didn’t get way.

These two reservoirs are great for families to spend the weekend as jet skiers and water skiers do not frequent these small impoundments.

Harvest is the key to producing trophy-sized pan fish. And yes, pan fish are trophies also. Actually, any fish is a trophy in my book. But, if you want large pan fish that provide excellent eating fillets, harvesting your catch is the answer. This is one case where catch and release does not work, please catch and keep.