Sandpoint/Ponderay Fishing Report 3.29.18
Clark Fork River
Flows have been bouncing up from 6,000 cfs to 35,000 cfs at least once a day. Water clarity is great, but there is a slight stain to it. There hasn’t been much in terms of hatches other than midges. Nymphs have been the most successful way to fish. Rig a double nymph rig of flies like #8 Pat’s Rubberlegs, #12 red Copper John, #18 Green Machine, or #10 pink Squirmy Wormie. The Cutthroat are still feeding in slower moving deep runs where they don’t have to exert a lot of energy. If you are into swinging, bring your sink-tips, and tie on a #8 olive Slump Buster, #6 black Baby Gonga, or a #6 olive Woolly Bugger. Fishing is best when flows are at their lowest, so keep an eye on the flows available at https://waterdata.usgs.gov
Lake Cocolalla
The lake is finally starting to open up! Last I heard, the north side of the lake is open and ready to be fished. Keep in mind that there will not be a dock at the sportsman’s access on the north side of the lake, so bring waders or expect to get wet. Fishing has been good mid-day. The trout are skinny from a long winter and are cruising just below the surface looking for defenseless baitfish. This lake is best fished with a 5 or 6 weight, rigged with an intermediate line. Try flies like #6 olive Woolly Bugger, rust Baby Gonga, or a #6 Stay Hungry Streamer (perch). The trout will constantly be on the move, so keep the boat moving, and cover water.
Kootenai River
Flows out of Libby dam are 13,300 cfs, water temperature is 37ºF, and clarity is perfect. There aren’t a lot of bugs hatching, but on a warm afternoon, you might find some midges and baetis. Fishing this time of year is good if you can get your double nymph rig down. Use a 9ft leader with flies like #8 purple Pat’s Rubberlegs, #14 Formerly Prince, #18 Little Green Machine, and #18 UV2 Mayfly. Be sure to bring split shot because you will need at least one BB to help get your flies into the strike zone. A lot of the fish will have their nose against a drop-off, waiting for nymphs to pass by. A great place to fish this time of year is at the mouth of the Moyie River. It is private property, but open to the public as long as you are respectful, and pay the parking fee. The stretch of river from the Libby Dam to the Highway 37 Bridge is currently closed to fishing until June 1.
See past reports from the Sandpoint/Ponderay area here, or click here to view all northwest regional reports.