Lewiston Idaho Fishing Report 12.21.17

Clearwater River

The river is running at 7,730 cubic feet per second as of noon Wednesday. It started to climb around the 18th of December and has yet to plateau. This has yet again made me believe that the fishing won't be that great. With the flows being cut on the 15th and now on the rise, the fish won't be very active. They are shocked by the difference of flows and water temperatures. Yet again the best chances are going to be on the Snake River.

Grande Ronde River

I ran up to the Ronde this morning and swung a run. Fortunately, the fishing was good, but the catching wasn't. It’s flowing at 1,350 cfs. We only had a short window of time, so if you had all day to fish I believe that you could still catch them. We did see fish rolling, they just weren't willing to play with us. Leeches, Hoh-Bo Spey, and big marabou flies should be the ticket. Fishing with a sink-tip increase your chances of finding a fish. However, the dry line is never out. The classic traditional flies, like the Green Butt Skunk, and Lady Caroline, still work, as well as any other traditionals you have your heart set on.

Snake River

The Snake is flowing at 25,100 cfs. Once again that is some high water that can lead to sketchy wading. I have seen, on various social media platforms, fish being caught on the Snake. I would say that this is the best river around the region to catch fish in right now. Using a sink-tip and bigger profiled flies will work. The same flies as the Ronde, plus leeches, Hoh-Bo Speys, and marabou flies, should work. Dry lines work, I had a grab last week on the Snake. A fly tied on a larger Alec Jackson hook could work.

Read past reports from the Lewiston region here, or click here to view all northwest regional reports.