Coeur d'Alene Fishing Report 03.28.19

Coeur d'Alene River

The river is flowing at 3,460 cfs at Cataldo and leveling off.  This is a very big increase in the last week.  As of now the river is starting to level off but don't hold your breath.  Middle too late next week, if not sooner, rain is forecasted.  Any precipitation now and the river will make huge jumps.  Sounds like folks had good fishing in the last week, and I think if you are to float it this week, you will do fine.  By Thursday or Friday, if the forecast holds true, it most likely will be a goner.  

Wading now is tougher in spots with the big increase. So, floating is going to be a better option if you can get your boat in somewhere.  Also, streamer fishing is decent now.  The main culprits getting it done are near nuff sculpins, home invaders, circus peanuts, kamikaze sculpins, and big jolly buggers.  Nymphing will be just fine too.  Big stonefly nymphs like twenty inchers, prince nymphs, Pat's rubber legs will do well also.  And, San Juan worms are always great.  (Don't be afraid to big with them as well.)  Finally, there have been some reports of a skwalla or two bouncing around.  If we get some windows in the weather and flows, this could be awesome.

St. Joe River

The St. Joe is flowing at 2,060 cfs and has started dropping.  This is actually a great flow for the Joe.  If you guys can get a boat in now, you will do great.  There are some wading opportunities too but there is still a lot of snow on the banks and you’ll have to trudge through.  Prepare for a rollercoaster in the conditions in the next few weeks. The rain that is forecasted will not help in any way.  So, this week if you can get out, go for it.  It should be great.  The Joe will fish very similar to the CdA now.  Streamers and nymphs, and possibly a dry fly in the form of a midge, nemoura or a skwalla will be on the plate.  We still have quite a bit of low-level snow to cook off, so just stay tuned and we will keep a close eye for the good windows of opportunity for you guys.  This summer on the Joe should be off-the-hook good!

Clark Fork River (MT)

The Clark Fork River at St. Regis is flowing 3,850 cfs. and climbing slowly -not a bad flow right now.  The Clark Fork will still fish on an incline of flows at these levels.  Keep your nymphs down and streamers slow.  Dead drifting a streamer under an indicator is a great early technique, followed up with a San Juan worm or a bigger stonefly nymph.  And, the back eddies and foam pools are great places to look for sharking pods of fish now.  Using tandem soft hackles or bigger Griffith’s gnats are great in these areas.  Nymphs are as well. Plus, it should be some decent midge fishing now.  Tandem Griffith’s gnats are a great combo for targeting sipping trout in the flats on the Clark Fork. Also, there should be some skwalla making an appearance as well as blue winged olives, nemouras, and March browns.  If the river doesn't color up too quickly, it will fish fine into the 6,000 to 8,000 cfs range.  

Superior ramp looks doable now. Slow Way not so much. Dry Creek is still not great, and St. Regis is fine.  I think this week most of the ramps will clear up and be much better.  Shovels and long ropes are still good to have along now.   

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