Coeur d’Alene Fishing Report 01.10.18

Coeur d’Alene Fishing Report 12.15.17

Clark Fork River (MT)

Current flow 3,710 cubic feet per second at St. Regis and leveling out. No recent reports here, but might be worth a look in the next few days. The weather is shaping up this week to be warmer and partly sunny and high 30's and low 40's in St. Regis. The flows will be dropping and, if the sun pokes out, I think you could have some good fishing here. The bump in the flows will have pushed a lot of the slush ice out. Nymphing will be the gig, and tandem rigs with your favorite bead heads or Pat's Rubber Legs will get the job done. Keep the bugs at the bottom. Takes can be subtle this time of year so pay attention to your indicator.

St. Joe River

Reading ice on the USGS graph. We'll need more warmer weather and rain to push the ice out, so stay tuned.

Coeur d'Alene River

2,580 CFS at Cataldo and starting to level out.  Fairly big jump here guys, but it will have opened up some of the water further up the river and give you a more options. Again, the extended forecast looks promising and warmer, so this should get the fish perked up a bit.

If you had steelheading plans for this weekend, the CDA River might be a good back up option. If you go up the Coeur d'Alene, nymphing will be the best option, but don't be afraid to throw a slowly presented streamer too.  Tandem nymph rigs with pheasant tails, Prince Nymphs, San Juan Worms, red and black Brassies or Copper John's should get a look or two.

Clearwater River

17,400 CFS at Spalding. She jumped big, but looks like it is leveling out and probably starting to drop by tomorrow.  The forecast looks promising with a temperatures in the high- to mid-40's.  Stay tuned and keep an eye on the flows. If we get down to 10,000 CFS by this weekend, I think it will be game on.

You will for sure want to run some heavy tips and bigger flies now.  Fish the slower stuff and keep your fly moving slowly as well.  The water temps will be better, so the fish will be more apt to grab your offerings.

Grande Ronde (WA)

2,910 CFS at Troy.  Pretty good jump here, too, guys.  I like the flows at 1,000 or less this time of year, but I have done well in the 1,500 CFS range, too.  You just have to get heavier and look for the soft edges and pockets.  Stay glued to your screens as it should come back into shape quickly, and when it does, it will be awesome.

Read past reports from the CDA region here, or click here to view all northwest regional reports.