Fishing Pend Orielle with Eagle Charters ~ Hope Idaho
Captain’s Log – June 19, 2026
Met Jimmy Mullen in the parking lot at Holiday Shores Marina in Hope, Idaho, shortly after 7:30 a.m. It was about an hour’s drive from Twin Lakes, and before long we were aboard Jimmy’s impressive 34-foot Tollycraft. The boat was rigged for serious fishing with three downriggers and a planer board system, allowing us to fish a total of twelve rods at once.
The action started with a beautiful rainbow trout of approximately 20 inches that struck a holographic blue Coyote spoon trailing behind a hammered-finish dodger with a 30-inch leader. The fish was quickly brought to the boat, where we noticed it carried an Idaho Fish and Game research tag. After recording the tag information for reporting, the rainbow was released in excellent condition.
Our next fish was the highlight of the morning—a beautiful bull trout weighing around five pounds that came from approximately 80 feet of water, the same depth as our first fish. Jack handled the rod skillfully and enjoyed a spirited fight before the fish came alongside. After a quick photograph, the bull trout was carefully released back into Lake Pend Oreille.
As the day progressed, we made our return run while weaving through floating debris that had drifted down from the Clark Fork River. Late in the afternoon another rainbow, this one about 18 inches long, struck a jointed Rapala and was landed successfully. We also managed to catch a kokanee shortly after deploying dedicated kokanee gear, adding another species to an already enjoyable day.
By 2:00 p.m. we completed our route under brilliant sunshine and temperatures that climbed into the 70s. More than the fish themselves, the day was valuable because of the opportunity to spend time with Jimmy and observe his techniques and equipment. We came away with a wealth of new ideas and practical knowledge that should make us more effective anglers on future trips. The drive back to Twin Lakes gave us plenty of time to relive the day and appreciate another memorable adventure on Lake Pend Oreille..
