Spokane River, Washington

Hatches

Caddis

The Fishing

Not much new happening on the Spokane lately. 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

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

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

Hatches

Hoppers
Ants
Beetles
Caddis
Maybe a random pmd, golden stone, or yellow sally

The Fishing

Summer mode on the North Fork of the Coeur d'Alene River is this...

- Mornings are best
- Inner tubers during the heat of the day
- Check water temps, above 68 give 'em a break
- 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 = 87.6 ft³/sec
Prediction Flow - Prichard

Cataldo = 437 ft³/sec
Prediction Flow - Cataldo

St. Joe River, Idaho

Hatches

Hoppers
Ants
Beetles
Caddis
Maybe a few pmd's, goldens, or yellow sallies. Hatches dwindle this time of the year

The Fishing

Fishing on the St. Joe River has been alright. It's getting to the be dog days of summer so it's pretty much the same thing every week. A few days ago there were caddis and pmd's hatching with the cooler weather / rain. As temps heat back up it will be more of a morning / early afternoon game and some evening fishing depending on water temps. Anything over 68 deg give 'em a break. Terrestrials like hoppers / ants / beetles, chernobyls (chubbies too), caddis, pmd's, and attractors can all be productive. Nymphing has been producing bigger fish. For nymphs something like a perdigon (or spanish bullet) or caddis pupa will be best, a rubber leg stone is always worth trying too.

Current Flow

Red Ives = 120 ft³/sec
Prediction Flow - Red Ives

Calder = 529 ft³/sec
Prediction Flow - Calder

Miscellaneous

The Fishing

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 - 669 ft³/sec
Prediction Flow - Troy

Snake River at Anatone - 19800 ft³/sec
Prediction Flow - Anatone

Clearwater River at Spalding - 8820 ft³/sec
Prediction Flow - Spalding