Lewiston, Idaho Fishing Report 05.03.18

Lochsa River

The Lochsa River currently sits at 9,430 cubic feet per second as of May 1. We drove up to Kooskia, Idaho last evening and the Middle Fork of the Clearwater did not look too off colored. With the predicted weather forecast for Lolo, Montana bringing some heat the next three days, more snowmelt is a possibility by the weekend. One employee fished the river when it was around 7,000 CFS and had good fishing, with water clarity exceptional. He said he saw March browns coming off, with fish eating them. If we were to go fish, our repertoire would consist of a six or seven-weight to throw streamers, like the Game Changer, Meat Whistle and various Galloup's Dungeons. We’d also cast a four or five-weight with some March brown patterns, Parachute Adams’, Skawala, or a Purple Haze. Be careful while you are wading and watch out for the boaters. The whitewater season is in full swing.

Grande Ronde (WA)

With a reading of 6,950 cubic feet per second at the Troy, Oregon USGS gauge, the river has been on the drop since the last big rise. The weather predictions are calling for heat higher up on the system. The Ronde could have another big spike by the weekend. We have had and few customers who have been fishing the Ronde and they are reporting slower fishing, yet they are still catching fish. With smolts being flushed down the system, the potential for catching is high, if the water stays in shape. Fishing with a six or seven weight rod while throwing a streamer would be the way to go. Clouser Minnow, Bass Turd, Galloup's Peanut Envy, and a Cheech Leech are some fly recommendations.

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