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The purpose for my web app “Five Hot Fishing Holes of the Pacific Northwest” is designed for those avid fishermen who might not have had the chance to fish in this beautiful area of the US. Some of the challenges I had while developing this app were related to graphic design and styling of the app. My goal was to keep it simple for the general consumer with usability as my most concern. I also hoped to grap the attention of fishermen aficionado's from all over the US and abroad. I gave the app a "Scrap Book" look for my main design concept by using the look of the old Polaroid camera photos with a hand written font to make it look more personal and authentic.The app is designed to be viewed on tablets but is also visible on a desk top computer. It is not designed for a smart phone. The app allows visitors who need some quick ideas for a place to fish in an area new to them, with easy navigation and information on how to reach those places on the app, and what kind of fishing they may expect by embarking on a fishing trip. The app provides some uniquely portrayed pictures of catches from that actual fishing location with fancy box plug in; also an API map of the area is featured along with a local photo of a map where the featured site is located. It features swipe functionality in both directions and upwards to view the API map. I used Javascript and jQuery, nth child even and odd, to do some interesting movements of the thumb nails along and informative hover effects to develop the app. Then I used Photoshop to manipulate the images into thumbnails and icons. And I added an optional sound of a babbling river if the fisherman really wants to get in the mood, all they need do is hit play. Please enjoy!

Copy Right by Brian Idle ©2013

Beginning near Crater Lake in southern Oregon, the Rogue River tends to be divided into three sections -- lower, middle, and upper -- along its 200-mile course. I've heard it said to be "an angler's paradise." The upper and middle sections offer a plethora of opportunities for more than just fishing -- hiking, camping, and white-water rafting are all popular. Serious fisherman, however, should concentrate on the lower portion. If you're strictly looking for good fish, specifically King and Silver salmon, the lower section of the Rogue is your best bet since it has great prospects in the fall and spring.

Flowing from the western slopes of Mt. Adams, the north fork of Lewis River is among the most popular in Washington. Before meeting the Columbia River, the Lewis River passes through three dams (Swift, Yale, Merwin). This lower portion of the river, with ample bank and boat access, provides plenty of Coho and Chinook salmon as well as steelhead. Since the lower Lewis has a reputation for productivity, don't be surprised to see fellow anglers, especially in spots near the salmon hatchery and Cedar Creek Hole. Because there are a number of protected species, check with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife for current and updated information on catch limits.

Part of the Snake River, the 57-mile long Brownlee Reservoir is the uppermost of the Hells Canyon recreation area. Many have claimed Brownlee to be the best warm water fishery in the western United States, and the reservoir is among the most heavily fished waters in Idaho. Expect smallmouth bass, catfish, and crappie; don't be surprised to see perch, bluegill, largemouth bass, and rainbow trout, either. The reservoir acts as the border between Oregon and Idaho, so anglers who possess a fishing license in either state can fish the reservoir as long as they do not fish from the shore of the state in which they do not possess a valid license. I'd have to say this particular spot is my personal favorite. Nothing beats floating peacefully in the water on a hot summer day casting and catching all day long.

Located in South central Idaho within the Minidoka Wildlife Refuge. Lake Walcott is administered by the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services. Created by Minidoka Dam, which is part of the Mindoka Project. Boat fishing on Lake Walcott is permitted from April 1 through September 30 in designated areas. Approximately 5 miles of shoreline are available for year-round bank fishing. Reservoir acre feet and total reservoir capacity and cubic feet/second release rates for rivers below Upper Snake River Basin reservoirs and select river locations are updated daily and graphically provided. Historic Walcott Park, located on the west end of Lake Walcott, once housed an experimental farm, housing for Bureau of Reclamation workers, a resort, and a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp. Stone retaining walls built by CCC workers still stand. A kiosk on the park's south end describes the park's history with a series of interpretive panels.

Located in the northern part of Clearwater National Forest, Kelly Creek is said to be known by fly fishermen from all over the world as the premier fly fishing water in Idaho. In addition to its beautiful scenery, Kelly Creek is an excellent river to fish, specifically for westslope cutthroat, or "cuts" as the locals say. You'll also see mountain whitefish, rainbows, and the occasional bull trout. Seasoned anglers at Kelly Creek will tell you the fish are plentiful and usually bite regardless of any particular fly. As they say, "Tight lines at Kelly Creek, Idaho."
In your haste to find great fishing, don't forget to pack important essentials. Of course, you'll have the obvious -- a rod, tackle, and a fillet knife. Pack a fishing light, too. Even though many boats come equipped with fishing lights, bringing a hand-held fishing light will add security to your trip. I'd recommend getting a quality flex light for optimal beam direction and hands-free use. You just never know when a fishing light will come in handy.