Coeur d'Alene River Report: 12.16.15

As mother nature starts to show signs of winter the Coeur d'Alene river and the surrounding areas tend to change their looks and sounds as well. Over the past week the Coeur d'Alene area received several days of good rains, which means the Coeur d'Alene river received a push of water. Winter fishing on the CDA can be great, or lame, and a lot of this will depend on the weather and flow of the river. Watching the flow of the river on the USGS gauge for Enaville drop for a few days I knew I had to get up there.

I grabbed my gear and headed out of the house around noon thirty. I already had my mind made up on where I was going to fish and right away when I arrived I noticed a fish feeding in a foam line that pushed tight up to the willows. Despite seeing action on the top I rigged up my 6wt with a size 6 black and orange pats rubber leg and San Juan worm strategically placed 12 inches behind. And all under my orange Thingamabobber, aka "my bobber." It was only a matter of time before my indicator went down and I came tight to a nice Westslope Cutthoat. Another hour or so went by before I had any more action. I noticed yet again there was a fish up feeding tight to the willows again which is not a surprise during this time of year after a push of water. So I took my indicator off and launched my bugs in the feeding fish's direction. After a few slow strips I came tight again to the second and final fish of the afternoon. After a short wresting match he was set free.

All and all it was a good short session on the CDA. If you are like me and have fish on your mind 24/7 then the CDA is always a good option to get your fix. As water and air temps start to drop look for fish to be holding in deeper slower water. Inside corners can be really good to swinging streamers along with double nymph rigs. There is no need to run way up the river. With a short window during the winter months the lower section of river is great.

For your next outing stop by the shop and feel free to pick Hector's, Nick's, or my brain. We will be more than happy to line you out with the correct bugs and area to fish. Now go get yourself some tug time in on your favorite section of CDA river.