Coeur d'Alene Fishing Report 03.21.19

Coeur d'Alene River

The river is flowing 673 cfs at Cataldo and climbing slightly.  Looks like good conditions this week up until Saturday.  We are expecting rain on Saturday and this will really get the flows bumping up.  The river has been very low and at this point we need a touch of water to get the fish moving around a bit.  We’ve had some better reports in from the last couple of days of warmer weather.  

I think the fish are starting to wake up a bit.  The nights are getting a little warmer which will help increase the water temperatures as well.  There is a good amount of nemoura stone flies around.  They are the small skinny black stone flies you will see all over the snow banks.  The fish should be looking at smaller stone fly type nymphs now.  

Also, streamer fishing will be really good in the next few days.  With a small push of water, they should be on the prowl for a sculpin or two.  Your standard double nymph rigs will still be great.  Pat's rubber legs with a smaller bead head dropper or San Juan worm will be a great set up.  Sculpzillas, near nuff sculpins, peanut envy, kamikaze sculpins all good streamer choices.

St. Joe River

The river is at 507 cfs at Calder gauging station and still reading ice.  I had some friends float the Joe the other day with less than stellar results.  Basically, it is still winter up the St. Joe.  With the high canyon walls, it will take a while for the sun to chew away at the bank ice and snow in the lower shaded areas.  It is on the way though.  This week should perk it up a bit.  

You’ll want to stick to using deep nymph rigs and slow moved streamers.  They are calling for rain on Friday and this will help bring the flows up to a more reasonable spring like level. Hopefully, it will not blow it out too much.  At this point, the forecast calls for only one day of rain and then cooler overcast temperatures.  So, this may be a decent recipe for better fishing the following week.  Fingers crossed.  

The thing is, is there is a pile of low-lying snow to get rid of and at some point the rivers are going to blow out -big time.  So, get out before the big push. Streamers should still get a look or two. Just don't get aggressive with your strips.  Boat launches are still sketchy now.  I think Calder is okay, but Marble creek still has snow, as well as Huckleberry and 16 mile too. I'd advise a long rope or two and some shovels if you decide to try and put a boat in.

Clark Fork River (MT)

The Clark fork is now at 2,800 cfs at St. Regis and climbing slightly.  Guys, the Fork is in great shape.  The current flows are actually pretty low and need a good bump of water.  We met a really nice couple recently in the shop who live in Superior. They were kind enough to show us pictures of Superior, Dry creek, Slow way, and St. Regis boat launches.  

Unfortunately, all of them have snow, some more than others.  Superior actually looked doable with about a foot of snow.  Dry creek looked a little rougher, the snow berm getting into the driveway looked a little sketchy.  If you are able to get into the parking area, the ramp has about the same amount of snow as Superior.  Slow way looked very nasty.  It really is never a great launch anyhow but less than desirable now.  St. Regis has the same issue as Dry Creek with a big berm and plenty of snow in the launch area.  

With all of this said, you’ll definitely need a truck with four-wheel drive and a sense of adventure to launch now.  Fishing should be good with nymphs, streamers, and a possible midge or two getting eaten in a foam line.  Griffith’s gnats, soft hackles, San Juan worms, Pat's rubber legs, pheasant tails, prince's, double bead stones are the go.  Rain is forecast for Saturday, how much I'm not really sure of but it needs a good bit of water anyhow.  It will help with the launches too.

See past reports from the CDA region here, or click here to view all northwest regional reports.