COEUR d'ALENE - Everyone remembers Saturday is Free Fishing Day in Idaho, right?

No license? No problem.

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game conducts the free days to encourage more youngsters to experience fishing and explore Idaho's rivers and lakes. The free days also give people who don't normally fish the pleasure of angling and greater awareness of the state's fisheries resources. The first such event was July 27, 1985.

Now, some tips.

Tina Padgitt, in the fishing department at Black Sheep Sporting Goods in Coeur d'Alene, said jigging for kokanee on Spirit Lake is hot right now.

She recommended fishermen use a "bead-chain spinner with a glow hook."

The kokanee are down about 25 feet, she said.

"Just anchor up and jig," she said. The kokanee being caught on Spirit Lake average 9 inches long.

She said fishermen are getting some quality bass at Twin Lakes. She said to try Lipless Crankbaits.

Want to hit the rivers?

Pat Way, at Orvis Northwest Outfitters, said water levels on the North Fork of the Coeur d'Alene River have dropped, making the stream easier and safer to wade.

The river has been under pressure from fishermen because other rivers in the region aren't producing, but fishing remains good, he said.

"With the additional pressure, it seems these fish are a bit more shy on dry flies," he said.

Right now, he likes the section of river upstream from Prichard.

The western green drakes are the primary hatching bug right now, he said. There are also some caddis and yellow sallies.

He also would try some subsurface offerings, or nymphing. Way said to get on or near the bottom of the river, "So they don't have to travel too far to come get them."

He also likes the evening hours right now.

Caution floaters: Way said there is a complete blockage, because of downed trees, between mile markers 16 and 17.

"There's not enough water to navigate around it," he said. "There have been a few harrowing experiences."

Those floating from Enaville down to Cataldo are going to have no problems.

"I don't think it will be long before the St. Joe starts to fish," he said. Right now, it's just not safe.

For Free Fishing Day, here is a list of locations where volunteers will be helping people with equipment and advice:

* Bonners Ferry: Snow Creek Pond

* Calder: Calder Pond

* Coeur d'Alene: Ponderosa Springs Golf Course

* Enaville: Steamboat Ponds

* Harrison: Harrison Marina

* Mullan: Lucky Friday Pond

* Post Falls: Post Falls Park Pond

* Priest Lake: Priest Lake Golf Course

* Rathdrum: Rathdrum City Park

* Sandpoint: Round Lake State Park