Spokane River, Washington

Hatches

Caddis

The Fishing

Hitting the repeat button on Kenyon's report from last week, there isn't much new this time of the year! The only thing I'd add is cooler temps and some overcast on day like today (Friday) is that will help the mid-day fishing.

Flows are low so walk-wade access is easy on the entire river. A little bumpy in spots for the rafts but still plenty of water to float below town. Water temps are great on the lower river, fluctuating between 57-59 degrees the last few days. Fishing is still best early and late in the day, once the sun is up high it’s been tougher. We’ve been doing well on dry-dropper rigs with a chubby/hopper on top and various caddis nymphs underneath; jig soft hackles, prince nymphs, caddis pupa. Doesn’t hurt to try downsizing flies this time of year to entice some of the pickier fish. Nymph rigs have also been effective in the faster plunge pools and riffles. A heavy stone and caddis nymph combo will get it done. There have been sporadic dry fly opportunities on small caddis and mayfly patterns, predominately in the low light hours.

The Upper Spokane above Barker Road and into Idaho has been providing some good opportunities for smallmouth bass. While the river isn’t known for giant smallies, the quantity side of things is there and you can usually get into a pile of them for something different to do. They also don’t care about warm water temps, so a great option on some of these hot summer days.

If you are interested in fishing the Spokane River with one of our guides give Bo a shout at the shop, 509.924.9998

Current Flow

908 ft³/sec
Prediction Flow - Lower River / Post Falls

NF CDA - North Fork of the Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

Hatches

Terrestrials

The Fishing

Mike and I (Sean) hit the North Fork on Wednesday. We caught some fish, nothing crazy but it's about what I expected like listed below:

- Mornings are best
- Inner tubers during the heat of the day
- Check water temps, above 68 give 'em a break (noon it was already this warm!)
- Hoppers, ants, beetles, caddis, attractors
- Chernobyls or hoppers with a dropper
- Water is low, sight fishing in pools can be fun
- Don't expect epic fishing... that was in the spring, but fish can be caught and fun had still.

Current Flow

Prichard = 81.5 ft³/sec
Prediction Flow - Prichard

Cataldo = 375 ft³/sec
Prediction Flow - Cataldo

St. Joe River, Idaho

Hatches

Terrestrials

The Fishing

Morning fishing lately has been best on the St. Joe. This weeks super hot temps have made water temps in the afternoon reach the not-safe zone for trout fishing. Slightly cooler weather should help improve that but do the fish a favor and stop fishing when water temps reach that 68/70 degree mark and let them be. Our good friend Dave K. reported good fishing all morning long yesterday with hoppers and caddis. I'd also suggest using some long droppers (or nymph or euro rigs) through faster boulder slots. Hatches are pretty much non-existence this time of the year so it's more of a terrestrial or attractor game, but caddis and classics like the purple haze can find fish all summer long.

Current Flow

Red Ives = 117 ft³/sec
Prediction Flow - Red Ives

Calder = 441 ft³/sec
Prediction Flow - Calder

Miscellaneous

The Fishing

The North Fork of the Clearwater / Kelly Creek is always an option this time of the year. They have been fishing alright, mornings are best. Hoopper / droppers, caddis, fishing riffle water and boulder gardens is best.

Bass fishing has been worthy in the lakes around the area. Fish are predominately in deeper water or shaded areas. Think of targeting docks with deep water access, weed lines, overhanging cover and drop offs.

Stillwater trout fishing this time of year is typically tough with fish moving to deeper water and not feeding as much throughout the day. When I’m heading to a lake this time of year, bass, carp and panfish are going to be the target species.

Carp fishing is a good option in the central part of the state. Banks Lake, Snake River and Columbia river are all good fisheries throughout the summertime.

Steelhead Rivers

The Fishing

Want to try something different? Smallmouth fishing on the Lower Grand Ronde is exceptional this month. Smolt colored streamers, craw patterns, sparkle minnows, really whatever you want to throw will work. I always make a point of getting down here at least once in May, it’s not uncommon to have a triple digit day of smallie fishing when conditions are prime.

Current Flows

Grande Ronde River at Troy - 614 ft³/sec
Prediction Flow - Troy

Snake River at Anatone - 15000 ft³/sec
Prediction Flow - Anatone

Clearwater River at Spalding - 9860 ft³/sec
Prediction Flow - Spalding