East Shadow Lake is a lake in Custer County, Idaho and covers about 3.1 acres.
East Shadow Lake is small water, so a careful lap around the bank can show most of the useful cover.
Fish and Baits
On an overcast morning near a small drop near visible bait, the fish mix is not confirmed, so check fresh local information before choosing a target or keeping a catch.
On a steady fall day near the mouth of a pocket near firm bottom, begin with one slow bottom presentation and one moving bait, then let bites show whether fish are holding close to cover or roaming open water.
During the last hour of daylight near a shallow shelf before changing depth, Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout have also been stocked here; that proves fish were released, but it does not promise that they are still common or easy to catch.
How to Read the Water
On a short evening pass near a soft-to-hard bottom change while the water is rising, start where two things meet: weeds and open water, rock and mud, a point and a drop, or clear water and dirty water; fish that edge at more than one depth before leaving it.
Season by Season
While using a careful look at water color near a soft-to-hard bottom change with stable weather, spring fishing starts with warming banks, creek mouths, and shallow cover; summer usually pushes the better bite toward the outside weed edge or a nearby drop; fall can bring bait back to windblown points, while winter calls for smaller moves and a slower pace.
A Simple Tackle Plan
During the first hour near a creek-side turn while the water is rising, a medium spinning rod, 8-pound line, a small box of jigs, a few crankbaits, and a simple bottom rig cover most situations; change depth or speed before changing every piece of tackle.
During the final pass near a clean gravel patch with a slow lure, record the wind, water color, depth beside useful cover, and cover after a bite; those four notes are more useful on the next trip than a long list of spots that did not produce.
Nearby fishing waters
Explore nearby waters, including local Featured destinations. Check each page for access and fishing restrictions.
Distances are straight-line estimates between mapped water locations.