Coeur d’Alene Fishing Report 11.9.2017
Coeur d'Alene River
Well guys, it's official, winter is upon us. The temps have dropped substantially in the last week. This will have the fish moving into their normal winter holds: slower moving water and pools. The dry fly fishing will be hard to find. Nymphing and slowly moving streamers will be your game. Tandem nymph rigs close to the bottom will be reliable, think small Pheasant Tails, Princes and San Juan Worms. If the weather warms up into the mid 40's or 50's, this may shift things to the top water. But remember, any top water action will be short lived as the water temp is what matters. My advice? Get those fly tying vises dusted off and come stock up on materials for the winter, or come see us on Saturdays. We are hosting fly tying classes at 10:30 a.m. every Saturday with free doughnuts and coffee.
St. Joe River
Will be tough here as well. In the canyon, the water will see very little sunlight (if any) in parts so ice may be forming. But if you are up there and decide to give it a go, the nymphing will be your ticket. Later in the day will be your best time as the water will have warmed. Again, like the Coeur d'Alene, the fly selection will be very similar: your pick of smaller bead-head nymphs or red-wire chironomids with a tungsten bead.
Clark Fork River (MT)
Had a couple good reports last week from some fellas who'd been out... but that was last week, and things have changed. I believe you could still have some luck nymphing, but the dry fly game will be done for the most part. I'd be nymphing small bead-heads and chironomids. I like fishing Skinny Nelson's and red-wire brassies this time of year, smaller offerings seem to work well when the cold hits. I'd look to nymph soft foam lines coming off structure on the banks, or even in some of the slower moving nondescript, three-to-four foot flats. Sunny days on the Clark Fork this time of year can be good, enough sun to warm the water will be to your benefit. I would also be thinking about doing some steelheading. The Clearwater and Grand Ronde have been doing well, so keep them in mind.