River Reports by Bobby

The Coeur d'Alene: (See Map)
The Coeur d’Alene is one of the few bright spots in the area. Fishing on the lower river has been very productive. Flows are holding steady and should do so unless we receive rain or high air temperatures. New regulations include year round fishing on the North Fork and no harvest on cutthroats. Your fly box should include: Rubber-leg squirrels, san juans, prince nymphs and a few baetis patterns if you see fish on the surface.
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Check Weather on: The Coeur d'Alene
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The St. Joe - (See Map):
The The St. Joe is also included in the new regulations. (Year round fishing and no harvest of cutthroats) Fishing on the lower Joe is also a viable option. The window of opportunity may be shorter; however, it should be worth the drive. I would fish similar patterns as the Coeur d’Alene.

Check Weather on: The St. Joe
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The Clark Fork: (Click for more info.)
The Clark Fork has been spotty at best. One good day followed by two bad ones. The good news is that adult skwalas have been seen and fish were eating them! Lots of midges and baetis as well! Bring some skwala patterns, san juans, midge pupa and copper johns.


Check Weather on: The Clark Fork
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The Spokane: (Click for more info.)
The Spokane is also included in the new regulations. This is the one time of year where the Idaho side fishes well, so take advantage! Nymph deep pockets with large princes and possibly egg patterns. Baetis are also known to frequent the river this time of year. Keep your eyes peeled on the willows for feeding fish.

  Check Weather on: The Spokane
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Hayden & Other Area Lakes:
IHayden is just now ice free so it may be a while before we reach the magic 50 degree water temp. Not all is lost however. Northerns should be moving into the shallows to begin spawning. The biggest bunny leeches you have will work well. Make sure and slow your presentation to a crawl until that water warms a bit.

Although we do not guide the local lakes, we are out on them almost daily, so we will always have an up-to-date report. The most effective patterns we've found are small leech and damsel patterns, including the Ruby Eye Leech, Carey Special, Olive Wooly Bugger, and the Boucher Special. If you don't have a boat, call us at the shop for a great deal on several different pontoon boat packages from Bucks Bags and Outcast.

  Check Weather on: Hayden Lake

Crab Creek: (Click for more info.)
Crab Creek is always a good option this time of year. There are still a few snow drifts preventing complete access. If you want to fish Crab now, there will be a little more walking involved than normal. With all of that said, fishing has been good. Shallow nymph rigs with tungsten princes, and leech patterns is what I would do. Click HERE to see the caliber of fish that are in Crab Creek - "any big rainbow that is in a tiny little creek" - they are impressive!
 

  Check Weather on: Crab Creek
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Rivers We Fish Regularly:
The staff at Northwest Outfitters regularly fish the North Fork of the Clearwater, Kelly Creek, and The Lochsa River. Call the shop to find out the fishing status of these beautiful Idaho waterways.