Sandpoint/Ponderay, Idaho Fishing Report 07.05.18
Clark Fork River (ID)
Flows are currently at 36,600 cubic feet per second. The river is unfishable due to runoff. Hopefully, we will start to have fishable conditions in the coming weeks.
Lake Pend Oreille
Surface temperatures range from 62-68°F. Water clarity is between 4-8 feet depending on where you are on the lake. Pike fishing has been good. Most of the pike are feeding along weed lines in 6-15 feet of water. Flies like Flaming Lamborghini or Jacknife on sinking line will do the trick. However, if you are fishing over thick weeds, a floating line will keep you out of the weeds and catch fish. Don’t rule out topwater either. Several northerns have been caught on large poppers.
Bass fishing has also been a great option. Most of the smallies are between 5-20 feet. The bigger smallies seem to be cruising the flats early in the morning, then retreat to deeper water as the sun rises. Cookie-cutter one-pound smallmouth can be found under shady docks in 5-10 feet of water. I love fishing fast sinking line this time of year for bass. Some great flies to try include #6 Chartreuse Clouser #2 Blue Deceiver, and #1 Jiggy Worm.
Lake Cocolalla
Fishing has been best in the mornings and evenings by far. On calm mornings and evenings, you can find hearty trout sipping dries off of the surface. I have found that intermediate line is the best way to fish for these cruising trout. Strip flies like #10 olive Woolly Bugger, #8 Balanced Leech, or Rust Baby Gonga.
Kootenai River
The river has dropped down to 9,500 cfs and is very fishable. The best access will be from a drift boat. Your best bet will be nymphing big flies like #8 Pat’s Rubberlegs, #12 20 Incher, or #16 Lightning Bug. Dries like #12 H&L Variant, #14 Royal Wulff, or #14 Tactical Usual has been producing quality bows. Streamers are always a good option for the Koot. Try a #2 white Zoo Cougar or a Montana Mini Intruder.
See past reports from the Sandpoint/Ponderay area here, or click here to view all northwest regional reports.