Coeur d’Alene Report 11.16.17

Coeur d'Alene River

Fishing has been slower. The weather has turned to winter-like the last couple of weeks, so it will take a much warmer day to get the fish fired up on the Coeur d’Alene . . . which may or may not happen for a while. Fish can be caught, and the sub-surface game is where it's at. Nymphing and streamer fishing will be the go-to tactics. Smaller beadheads, Copper Johns, choronomids, Pheasant Tails, and Prince Nymphs under an indicator, with the appropriate length of leader and weight, will get you down and bring up some fish. Slower pools and deeper runs are where you should cast. Stay warm out there.

St. Joe River

No reports of late. But like the Coeur d'Alene, it will be pretty slow. I'd pick your days here, guys, the days are shorter and shorter now and the Joe will not see a lot of sunlight in most parts of the canyon. Nymphing will be your best bet. Use the same kind of bugs as on the Coeur d'Alene. I have had good days on the Joe this time of year, but if I had my choice, I would only go on a really sunny day. This will help warm the water just enough at midday to get the fish active. I'd say if you get a sunny day in the mid-to high-40’s this winter, and there is no ice, give it a go.

Clark Fork River (MT)

Fishing has been OK. Slower than earlier this fall, but we did get a report that nymphing has been productive. The dry game is pretty much done. You might see a head up in the slow, shallow flats or foam lines on the bank, depending on the temps. Most likely, the trout will be on blue-wing olives, midges or a straggler mahogany. I like a small Pheasant Tail trailed with a smaller San Juan Worm this time of year—seems to do the trick for me. But get them down guys, the fish won’t be attacking or moving great distances to eat your flies. The takes on the nymphs are subtle, so try a yarn indicator, such as the New Zealand

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