Spokane River, Washington

Hatches

Caddis
Salmonflies

The Fishing

Spokane: The Spokane River started off strong for opening weekend. We’ve all had a chance to get out the last few days and fishing was solid all around. Flows are sitting at a great level for this time of year. Typically, river levels are much higher for opening weekend and makes fishing tough. While some of the wade fishing spots are a bit limited, there’s plenty of fishable water on every stretch of the river. Fish are spread out in every water type right now and don’t seem to be concentrated anywhere in particular. We’ve had good action on the dry-dropper rigs, most fish taking the dropper mid-day but some good dry fly eats in the morning and late evening. Bobber and euro rigs have also been effective in some of the faster and more turbulent zones. The caddis hatch has been great with plenty of fish splashing around on the surface, so could definitely swing some softies or caddis dry fly. Chubby Chernobyls, Water Walkers or any large foamy bug have been working well for dries. Stonefly nymphs, caddis nymphs and soft hackles have been good for droppers.

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Current Flow

7430 ft³/sec
Prediction Flow - Lower River / Post Falls

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

Hatches

Salmonflies
Grey drakes
Yellow sallies
Golden stones
Neumora
PMDs

The Fishing

The good times keep rolling on the North Fork Coeur d’Alene. Flows are still at great levels everywhere on the drainage. You can realistically go anywhere you want up here right now. Main river, tributaries, back country, all of it is fishing well. Lots of good bug hatches too, there’s a couple Salmonflies still around but seems like the fish have gotten their fill on these guys. Golden Stones, Green Drakes, Caddis, Yellow Sallies and PMD’s are getting the most attention. I’d be running a dry-dropper rig in the mornings and switching up to the dry fly flavor of the day once fish start rising. Fish will be in all water types right now so don’t overlook the riffles and faster transition areas. Henry’s Fork Stones, Chubby Chernobyls, Stimulators, Water Walkers, and Emma Stones are good options for the big bugs. Mayfly cripple and emerger patterns, parachutes and caddis dries will all be on the menu for rising fish. Perdigons, stonefly nymphs, Walt’s worms, lightning bugs, all good dropper options. This is peak season for the NF CDA, get it while it’s good!



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Current Flow

Prichard = 401 ft³/sec
Prediction Flow - Prichard

Cataldo = 2100 ft³/sec
Prediction Flow - Cataldo

St. Joe River, Idaho

Hatches

Salmonflies
Golden stones
Caddis
A few grey drakes and March browns still
PMDs soon

The Fishing

Fishing has been good on the Joe lately. Flows have been slightly rising over the last week or so but nothing I’d be worried about. Definitely going to be pushy and limited if you’re fishing way up high on the river above Gold Creek, but the lower portions are plenty fishy at these levels. Seems like more folks have been on the CDA lately, so could be a little less angler traffic here? That’s what my crystal ball says today at least. Hatches and flies will be similar to the CDA, but I’d still have some Salmonfly patterns, especially higher up the river. As we get further along in the season, the Joe will be one of the best options in the region since it holds more water and stays cooler than other rivers around the area.

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Current Flow

Red Ives = 1220 ft³/sec
Prediction Flow - Red Ives

Calder = 4740 ft³/sec
Prediction Flow - Calder

Miscellaneous

The Fishing

Lake fishing is still a good option if you don’t want to head into Idaho or wait for the Spokane to open this weekend. We’ve heard good reports from Coffeepot, Amber, and Fish Lake. Typical patterns have been working such as leeches, chironomids and damsel nymphs. Bass fishing has been good as well, I’ve been fishing a variety of the local lakes lately and finding fish around docks, laydowns and transition areas. Carp fishing has been funky with cooler weather and overcast conditions. This will improve with more sun and warmer temps.

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 - 6540 ft³/sec
Prediction Flow - Troy

Snake River at Anatone - 67200 ft³/sec
Prediction Flow - Anatone

Clearwater River at Spalding - 36300 ft³/sec
Prediction Flow - Spalding