Sandpoint/Ponderay, Idaho Fishing Report 04.11.19
Lake Pend Oreille
The lake has come up a little with the snowmelt and rain but should remain stable until the levels are lifted later on. Some pike action has been reported on gear, so you could probably find some pike with the fly along weed edges and drop-offs. Bass action is still slow on the big lake too. Trout may be found cruising edges and cobble flats. Mysis shrimp are a popular forage for trout, so try some flies imitating those. As the weather gets nicer, and the water temperature rises, expect good fly fishing opportunities to arise as well.
Clark Fork River (ID)
Hatches have been slow, and the water is still cold. We’re definitely seeing some increased bug action compared to last month. Look at tossing a #16-18 bwo or Adams if you see risers. The best fishing will be upstream of the rail bridge. The sporadic flows make it tough to make a full day outing, so keep an eye on the chart. If you find some fish, drift some attractor nymphs like a frenchie or copper john. We’re still a ways off from good fishing.
Lake Cocolalla
Cocolalla is finally completely ice free and can be fished. Unfortunately, the water hasn’t warmed up much yet, so things are still slow. The level is up, and visibility is around three feet in the waters on the upwind side of the lake and about 1-2 on the downwind side (this will change sporadically with wind direction). Focus throwing small streamers like tungsten thin mints, zirdles, and complex twist buggers in rust/brown or olive. White and black will catch the eye of some fish too.
Kootenai River (ID & MT)
The Kootenai is flowing stable around its base flow of 4,000 cfs. There are reports of a few fish here and there are popping up, but most people aren’t fishing the river yet. The water temperatures are still chilly, but you may find some rising fish coming up for midges and baetis. Look at throwing a #16-18 bwo or Adams to rising trout. If you’re going to nymph here, go big. Pat’s rubber legs and nemec stones will catch the attention of hungry trout. Bigger streamers will give you the chance at some of the larger specimens lurking around structure.
See past reports from the Sandpoint/Ponderay area here, or click here to view all northwest regional reports.