Lewiston, Idaho Fishing Report 08.09.18

Lewiston Fishing Report

Lochsa River (ID)

The current flow is 631 cfs at Lowell. We are starting to feel the drought around the area. Rain hasn’t fallen for some time now and the trout are acting like it. The water temperatures are still rising, making the fishing tough. Small tributaries where the water is colder can be productive this time of year. Hoppers are everywhere; Morrish Hopper, donkey kong hopper, or a yeti hopper are great foam patterns to use. Dave’s hopper is a great natural looking pattern that works well too. You’ll want to throw a dropper (like a caddis pupa) below one of those and the fish could be catching.

North Fork Clearwater River (ID)

The current flow is 1010 cfs at Canyon Ranger Station. Water temperatures are sitting in the high 60’s. Fish are going to be hanging out in the coldest water they can find. Instagram is actually a great tool to see if fish are being caught. We have been seeing some of the local anglers catching fish this past week on the North Fork. Hopper patterns will work, as well as black elk hair caddis. You’ll want to use a purple haze or a royal coachman. The size does not seem to matter, most anglers fish what they can see.

Clearwater River (ID)

Steelhead fishing is in full swing right now. Anglers have been reporting fish being caught throughout the day. If you fish early, midday, or evening, it won’t matter the time of the day you go. If there is a willing fish, it will eat your fly. Presentation is important. A slow swing will leave fish pondering about eating your fly. Wet flies sized 5-7 will be the most productive. And do not shy from the skater, the fish are frisky.

Grande Ronde (WA)

The current flow is 484 cfs at Troy, Oregon. These are very low flows currently. However, the bass will still be hungry and ready to eat a fly. The water temperatures are pretty high too. So, if you are trout fishing, you'll have to find them higher up in Oregon. Smolt patterns should still be collecting a bite, as well as some topwater poppers too. Also, grasshoppers can bring fish up.

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