Coeur d’Alene Fishing Report 01.25.18
Coeur d'Alene River
The river is flowing at 2,970 cfs and dropping for now. However, it’s raining and the Northwest forecast isn’t looking pretty. In the immediate future we are supposed to get a fair amount of rain and snow up high. I picture the river rising in a big way. If you get a chance to get out, nymphing will be the way to go. Beadhead nymphs and San Juan worms might get looks. Streamers will work as well, but get them down deep and use a slow retrieve—the fish are pretty lethargic and not super willing to chase their meals in the cold water. Good luck and hopefully we will get a break in the rain soon.
St. Joe River
1,870 cfs and dropping. Like I mentioned in the Coeur d'Alene report things are going to change big time All of the local rivers will be on the climb in the next 2-4 days with a good size front moving in. When the river drops streamer fishing could be pretty stellar. Go with bigger black or olive sculpins. Get them deep quickly with a fast sink tip or weight on your leader. Concentrate on the slower tailouts or pools as the fish are usually podded up now in the slower water. Nymphing will work as well and same thing applies here—get the flies down quickly and focus on the indicator for a subtle take. Beadhead nymphs and red or black beadhead Brassies or Copper John's are great choices now.
Clark Fork River (MT)
The Clark Fork will rise, but probably not as quickly as the Coeur d'Alene or the St. Joe. So what this means is this week you probably have 2-3 days of fishing before it really blows out with the rain. Very floatable now, just have to get creative at some of the boat launches. Four wheel drive, a shovel, and a long rope are good things to have this time of year. Most of the boat launches are not plowed this time of year so calling ahead to a local shop would be a good idea. There are many places to walk/wade, too. I heard of some decent reports from last weekend around St. Regis. Nymphing will be the go to and San Juan worms now are killer too.
Clearwater River (ID)
I had the chance to fish last weekend and didn't have a great deal of luck. The water was a touch high and off color, but held about three feet of clarity and that gave me hope. But no pulls or signs of life for me. It has been on the drop for a good week and I usually get excited when it's below 10,000 cfs. But with a severe case of cabin fever and a full tank of gas I said what the heck. Like all of the other rivers this coming week they will be back on the rise. Hopefully we get a change in the weather and things flatten out.
Grande Ronde River (WA)
Still a bit out of my comfort zone and will maintain a higher flow with the precipitation to come. Probably not a great option this week/weekend. Hope for clear skies and cooler temps at night to slow the overnight runoff. Hang in there as the spring steelheading can be exceptional down on the Ronde.
Read past reports from the CDA region here, or click here to view all northwest regional reports.