Coeur D’Alene Fishing Report 3.29.18

Coeur d' Alene River

Flow at Cataldo is 3,280 cfs and on the drop.  After a bit of rain and a small bump in the flows, things are still fishing well.  This may not last long folks, as we are expected it to get a bit warmer.  If it doesn't rain too much we should be okay, but get it while it's good.  Nymphing and streamer fishing are going to be good.  Tandem stonefly nymph setups will do well.  San Juan Worms will get a lot of attention too.  Twenty-inchers, Prince Nymphs, double bead stonefly nymphs all great choices.  There is some dry-fly activity as well.  The Skwalas are just now starting to show up, Nemouras, too.  So, small olive or black Stimulators for the Nemouras, or come by and check out our Skwala selection—we have a bunch to choose from.  A size #8 or #10 olive Chubby Chernobyl will work for the Skwalas, too.  I would be dropping a stonefly nymph or the likes under a Chubby for a great midday searching pattern.  There are a fair amount of Blue-winged olives and some March browns starting to show up, too.  Midges are still a player, too.  Things are starting to heat up guys and gals, so get out there and have fun.

St. Joe River

Flow at Calder is 2,120 cfs and on the drop.  Same situation as the Coeur d' Alene—the Joe saw a small bump with the rain as of late but is on the drop and very fishable.  Flows are still a bit pushy in areas for wading but there are for sure some spots to hop in and do some wading.  Perfect flow for the drift boat though.  The streamer fishing has been so-so as it has been pretty cold up in there.  With the warm-up expected this should change and the cutties should be on the hunt for the meat.  Nymphing is good too—double bead head nymph rigs or Pat's rubber legs with a dropper is always a winner.  Might be a little slower on the dry fly front up the St. Joe as it is always a touch colder there and more of a canyon so less sun on the water this time of year means slower hatches.  But you never know as it is supposed to be overcast and warmer later this week so the dry fly fishing may perk up.  Be prepared with Blue-winged olives, March browns, Midges, Nemouras, Skwalas and you will be covered.

Clark Fork River (MT)

Flow at St. Regis is 5,910 cfs and steady.  The Clark fork came up and leveled off with the rain and is a little off color but typical for this time of year.  This will means you will need to concentrate closer to the banks foam lines and eddies.  Don't let a little color bother you if there are a couple feet of visibility it is still game on.  The Skwalas are now out and just starting to do their thing.  The warmer weather should be a good thing and hopefully, we don't get dumped on with the rain as it would really blow out then.  If we get some sunshine in between the overcast the Skwalas should be grooving pretty good.  We have some great patterns now for the Skwalas, like Miller's Skwala, Rogue foam Skwala, Goodman's Skwala, Olive Chubbies too.  The midges and Nemouras are still a big player but the blue wing olives and the March browns are coming on strong as well.  Have plenty of soft-hackles as the fish love the slack water areas now and pod up and will be sucking down mayfly duns and the emerger is always a winner.  Soft hackles are always my go-to dropper when fishing sippers in the back eddies and foam lines, they will treat you well.  If you are aren't seeing much for topwater activity, nymphing will produce just fine for you too.  Bead head Pheasant tails, Twenty inchers, Princes and larger Copper Johns all great options.