Fall Hatches and Options

Fall Fly Flinging

Finally, fall. For many anglers one of the most anticipated seasons. Uncrowded waters, cool temps, big fish, and insect hatches. It certainly seems like summer left in a hurry here in Spokane and around the west. Snow has already fallen in many rocky mountain areas and really we needed it bad so no complaining! A long summer of heat, smoke, and zero rain was starting to wear on everyone. As we approach late September fishing is looking optimistic with fires dampened and temps beginning to stabilizes. Fall fly fishing is underway.

So what to expect for fall fly fishing around Spokane and Coeur d'Alene? Let's look at some of our favorite local fisheries.

Spokane River Flows will increase slightly as we make our way into fall. Nothing crazy but they do start draw down lake Coeur d'Alene in preparation for winter levels. Hatches of fall caddis, black caddis, and bwo's will be the main stay. We do see a few October caddis but not as many as our nearby Idaho streams.

North Fork Coeur d'Alene River A fall favorite among many locals. A little rain will help improve flows again and plenty of slower pools will start to fish well as temps cool off. Hatches here consist of mahogany dun mayflies, October caddis, fall caddis, and bwo's.

St. Joe River Similar to the NF Coeur d'Alene River, the St. Joe will fish well this fall. Flows are great and if temps stay warm this one will go later into October. Typically this one starts to shut down a little early than the NF CDA due to it's higher elevation and colder climate. Fall hatches will be just like the NF Coeur d'Alene: October caddis, mahogany duns, bwo's, and some fall caddis.

Clark Fork River An excellent, and often overlooked drainage for Spokane anglers during the fall. Warmer, slower moving waters here are ideal cool weather fishing locations. The Clark Fork will get the same hatches as our Idaho streams and like the NF Coeur d'Alene and Spokane will fish well into the beginning of November.

North Fork Clearwater / Kelly Creek The window to fish this area in the fall is shorter than other locations but it can be spectacular. To me this drainage is very similar to the St. Joe just with a shorter timeframe to hit it. October caddis and mahogany duns will be the mainstay here.

Fall is such a fun season to be out on the water. Mid day and afternoons will be best to fish so need to rush to the water. We hope you get some time to enjoy our awesome fall fisheries! Swing by for any last minute supplies.