Sandpoint Idaho Fishing Report 05.30.19
It looks like summer is finally here to stay. This week we can expect some 80-degree days sticking throughout next week. This will help finish off any snow and keep flows steadily moving forward. Trout fishing should be off the wall on your favorite streams, especially mid-morning and in the evenings. The bass bite on Lake Pend Oreille will be hot this week, and now’s the time to hit em’ on the fly.
Current Conditions
Lake Pend Oreille - The lake is warming again and is about two feet from full pool. The warmer water has triggered bass into the shallows and along shoreline structure for the spawn. Pre-spawn fish will feed heavy as they transition from deeper water. Spawning fish won’t move as far for a fly, but post-spawn bass will be looking for food. Flies like an RJ’s jiggy worm, creek crawler, drunk & disorderly, or swingin’ D will crush fish if you’re using a sink tip.
The time for bass fishing is now. People are still picking up pike in a few of the sloughs around the lake and along the cobble flats. Search for pike with red and white or chartreuse streamers. If you can’t find them there, check weedy areas like Denton Slough. It’s a good idea to keep a trout fly rig handy, every now and again you’ll see some trout rising or cruising by.
Clark Fork River below Cabinet Gorge Dam - The Clark Fork below the dam has come down a tad and can be accessed via boat. However, I’d still be cautious in a boat. The heavy flows aren’t to be messed with, as some odd hydraulics are found on rocky bends and under the bridges. Fishing out near the mouth is always an option, where you can find some smallmouth, pike, and walleye.
Kootenai River below Libby Dam - The Kootenai is a float only game right now, but the fishing can still produce. Most of the channels are being reported open. The last word was there are still March browns kicking around as well as some baetis (bwos and rusty duns). Focus your dry fly fishing on cloudier days if we get one. Dry-dropper rigs through boulder gardens and the banks are still going to be your best plan of attack during your float. A nice foam March brown dry with a pheasant tail or Anato-May nymph dropper will grab some fish. If you’re patient, toss some streamers at rocky structure for a chance at some nicer fish. Remember, fishing is still closed from Libby Dam down to the mouth of Fisher River until June 1st.
Local Lakes - Most of our local lakes are fishing very well. This week in the heat, we will see a slight shift in species activity, but overall, fishing will remain great. Lakes like Cocolalla and Round Lake will fish really well for trout, perch, bass, and crappie. Some nice trout are found in these lakes. A favorite technique is using a sink tip or intermediate line with a heavy bugger style pattern. A short five-inch strip is best for the retrieve speed but can change hour to hour in high sun. Drifting chironomids or booby flies on a sinking line can prove deadly if you know how to hang the flies. The best way to fish is from a boat, but you can also find fish on a kick tube or kayak. For bass and crappie, locate isolated structure, and you’ll find fish stacked on it. Other lakes in our area to check out are Mirror and Gamlin. Both lakes can provide some fun opportunities.
Match The Hatch
On many streams around Idaho, you’ll find a myriad of flies in the late May-early June time frame. This is a great time because trout are not super picky and selective in their diet. Also, just because March browns and skwalas are tapering off doesn’t mean fish won’t target a bigger juicier bug. Continue to throw the predominant high-calorie hatch that is present on your fishery.
Need to fill the box before you go? Order flies online here.
Tips & Techniques
As melt waters subside and stream currents calm again, expect fish to spread throughout narrow river channels again. Many rapids are often overlooked because they look too swift. Many fish will rest in the undertow or calm water below or adjacent to a rapid. Fish the tail-outs, edges, and push water upstream of small rapids. Strip a streamer through or float a big juicy foam dry overhead and you might be surprised where some fish will hide.
Did you know...
Want to learn how to fly fish? Free Fly Fishing 101 Introduction Classes: Saturdays @ 10 a.m - 12 noon., For more information, please contact: Sandpoint Fly Shop, (208) 255-5757
Want to win a Winston rod? Stop into North 40 Outfitters on Saturday, June 15. Simply cast a Winston fly rod and fill out the raffle for your chance to win two Winston Rods of your choice.
See past reports from the Sandpoint/Ponderay area here, or click here to view all northwest regional reports.