Memorial Day Weekend Forecast

Sunny and a chance of trout

The big holiday weekend kicks off the "main season" for most anglers, campers, and travelers. While the 3 day weekend does bring out the crowds, often there are moments where you can find a little slice of solitude, for at least a few mins.

Spring around the Spokane and Coeur d'Alene Region means cutthroat fishing is in full swing. The North Fork of the Coeur d'Alene River has been the hot ticket for many anglers as of late. It is generally the first to come into shape and the hatches can be just ahead of the St. Joe River hatch schedule. Don't expect to have water all to yourself here, that's the way it is anymore. Hatches have varied from great mayfly activity on the rainy days (pmd's, ped's, drakes) as well as yellow sally stones. A few lingering salmonflies can be found, and the golden stones are out on warmer days. Riffle water can be good prospecting with a stonefly dry, dropper or no dropper it's up to you.

The St. Joe River is a pretty manageable level for Memorial Day Weekend. While some will find it too high for their liking, I feel it's pretty damn good for late May. Here I'd plan on more stonefly/chubby type of fishing especially in the mid and upper stretches. Pockets will be a little more limited, but find the right water and you should find fish. Warmer temps will definitely start to spread fish out and riffle water will become more important. Lower river stretches will fish with goldens for sure, but the PMD's, yellow sallies, and drakes will also be very important to bring along.

Spokane River officially opens this Saturday May 29th. High and fishable will be the name of the game. Be careful out there and wade with caution. Really there isn't much need to get in the water at these levels as a lot of the fish will be tucked in the shoreline areas. Warm weather will definitely get the caddis activity rolling. Whether you are running a dry / dropper, a double nymph rig, or a euro rig, having a caddis pupa as one of your patterns is a good call. We will have a fresh report after the river opens.

As for other fisheries there are many, many options. Local lakes are still fishing alright with callibaetis, chironomids, and damsel / dragon fly nymphs the name of the game. Warmer temps will drive fish deeper so look for next week to be more dredging as temps warm. Bass and carp fishing has been good this spring. The sunshine will be a good thing for those looking for freshwater bones in central Washington (aka carp).

We hope you are able to find a little slice of water and solitude this long weekend. If you are in need of last minute supplies come see us, we will be open all weekend and Memorial Day. Have a great weekend!