Coeur d'Alene Fishing Report 11.22.18
Coeur d'Alene River
Fishing is getting quite a bit slower. The colder temperatures are prolonged throughout the day now and will make our finned pals more lethargic. But, the sunny weather has been awesome and if you have had a chance to take advantage of it, good on you. It has been such a stellar fall and hopefully, we can get a repeat of this season for next year. There are still some opportunities out there, mostly from here on out will be a nymphing game, but there might be some spotty dry fly action. Tandem small bead head nymph rigs in the pools and the tail outs of runs is where I'd concentrate. Streamer fishing might produce a few fish too. Smaller streamers close to the bottom and slowly presented should turn a fish or two. I really like a tungsten bead head, red brassie this time of year. There are lots of midges still moving around and this food source becomes more of a mainstay as the cooler temperatures come on. If you find fish up, prepare to be on your "A" game. They will be picky and typically need a delicate hand. Blue-winged olives and midges are going to be the main table fare now. Smaller bwos in the 18-20# range and a Griffith's gnat in the same size range will be good options. Small soft hackles too are good choices if you find risers. Get the last of it guys and gals, winter is imminent.
St. Joe River
It's going to be a tough one here folks. Nymphing is going to be the go-to attack. Keep a close eye on your indicators now. The takes are going to be subtle and quick, so be on your game and set on even the slightest movement of the indicator. Pick your runs wisely too. Try and find a run that has some sun on it and go later in the day, let's say after 12:00. This will give the water time to warm up and get the bugs moving a bit, hopefully enough to get the fish interested. Small wd-40s, brassies, skinny nelsons, flash back pheasant tails, small prince nymphs are all good choices for patterns right now.
Clark Fork River (MT)
Not a horrible option now. But again, if you go here or anywhere now, no need to start super early. The slower foam pools and back eddies are good spots to find risers now. Soft hackles are super effective in these spots. I like to run a tandem soft hackle rig, a larger one at the lead and a smaller one at the back. I will add a small split shot just slightly up from the lead fly, and I will strip these quickly through the foam pools. Blue-winged olives and midges here too guys. If there are any hatches to speak of, this will be it. The roads are getting very slick in the early mornings and in the late afternoons, so be careful now on your way to wherever you go. Pick a shorter float if you are boating now. Take your time and really work a run or pool for a while. Finding rising fish now can be hard, as the water temperatures are so cold. If you do, find some stay for a bit and make your casts count. The fish this time of year can be very picky. Anyhow, if you have time this weekend to go, it would be a decent choice.
See past reports from the CDA region here, or click here to view all northwest regional reports.