I have read about Newton and really want to catch a Tiger Muskie .I have fished for trout my whole life and although it is great fishing I am hooked on warm water species after a few trips to Minnesota. I am going to fish Lamont and Johnson in Idaho this spring and want to try Newton and am hoping for a little feedback. I would fish from shore or a kayak. Are there parts of the lake anyone would recommend for either way? How about camping in the area? Thanks for any help.
I don’t know if i would be the authority to tell you, but I have fished Newton a bit because it’s so close. They planted Tiger Musky fingerlings this past summer, so it’s very possible that you may have an easier time catching a musky this year. I have only caught one tiger out of Newton, and it was by accident (I usually fish newton for the perch and crappie) but having said that, I have seen numerous people out in boats catch musky by doing quick cast and retrieve or flyfishing. I’m unsure of what make or color, but they seemed to mostly be using rapalas. If you were to try, I bet you would do well on a perch rapala. There are some good things to know about Newton. First, Newton isn’t a very big reservoir, and pretty much everyone goes out there on their boat because access is free. I can’t tell you how many guys I have heard complain about how unsafe it can get because of the actions of some selfish waterskiiers. Also, if you are going to use a boat, the boat ramp is very primitive and facilities are nonexistent, so be prepared for that. Hope that sheds a bit of light[;)]
Do a search for my posts from last summer and you will see many pics of fish and also the lures I use. There is camping under the tree’s on the north side of newton. Average musky I caught last summer was about 34-35" long… firetiger is the color to use for newton.
I second perch colored baits. I have been out there many of times and never caught one on a spinner or crankbait but I have had plenty of them follow the lures in. I was fishing from shore every time so I couldn’t do the fancy figure 8 you are suppose to do when they follow a lure in. Good Luck.
I agree with what was said, but you should also add swimbaits to the mix. On days when they are hesitant to take a jerkbait, I’m usually able to coax some to eat a white pearl soft plastic swimbait. Also remember that they like to eat crappie too, so consider that when picking out lure styles. Additionally, in the spring they tend to prefer smaller baits than they do later in the year. Finally, don’t forget your steel leaders.
My friends and I have developed a guaranteed way to get you a muskie. They’re a lot more active once the lake warms up though (late June - early Sept.) Send me a PM and I’ll let you know the next time we’re heading out there for muskie.
Thank you for all of your replys.