Sandpoint/Ponderay, Idaho Fishing Report 07.12.18
Clark Fork River (ID)
We are starting to see summer flows out of the Clark Fork River below Cabinet Gorge Dam. Flows have been bouncing from 30,000 cfs to 15,000 cfs. Water clarity is good, and temperatures aren’t too hot. The best access for this river will be from a jet boat. Expect to see hatches of western yellow mayflies and caddis. If the trout aren’t eating the natural fly imitations, try attractors like #10 purple Hippie Stomper, or a #12 H&L Variant. Swinging streamers like a #6 CH Krystal Woolly Bugger, or a #8 black Sculpzilla can be deadly at times. Nymphing common flies like a #14 red Copper John, a #12 Dirty Bird, or a #14 Taylor’s Gut Instinct can be very productive. The best fishing will be from 8:30 p.m. -10 p.m. in the evening.
Lake Pend Oreille
The lake is shaping up nicely! Water visibility is roughly 5-8 feet depending on where you are. Surface temperatures range from 68-75°F. The Pend Oreille River seems to be running a little cooler than most of the lake. Pike are actively feeding along weed lines throughout the day and night. I would concentrate my time searching for northerns in 4-15 feet of water. I have caught pike this time of year near sharp drop-offs with fast sinking line as well as deep diving crankbaits. Use flies like a red Jackknife or Dougies Perch. Bass fishing has also been a great option. Lately, the smallies seem to be fairly predictable. Large shady docks over 10-15 feet of water with some scattered weeds have been lights out. Sharp rocky points and large submerged island are all holding bass. If you wish to fish sub-surface, use a fast sinking line with flies like 2/0 Bushwacker or a #4 Chartreuse Clouser. However, the topwater bite is on, so don’t leave your floating line at home. Also, having a few poppers on the boat is a must this time of year.
Lake Cocolalla
Water visibility is between 4-5 feet. The best time to fish this lake has been in the mornings and evenings. On calm evenings, trout can be seen sipping midges off the surface. If you wish to chase these technical trout with a dry fly, use 9 ft. 5X leaders and flies like a #18 Griffith’s Gnat, a #20 Hatching Midge, or a #14 Royal Wulff. Personally, I have my best luck fishing this lake with intermediate line and flies like a #6 olive Woolly Bugger or rust Baby Gonga. I generally fish weed lines, but the trout can literally be anywhere. That’s why trolling is an effective way to find fish on Coco.
Kootenai River
Flows are just below 9,000 cfs out of Libby Dam, and water visibility is excellent. Now is a great time to get out and fish the Kootenai. The best access will be from a drift boat, but wading is now a viable option. I would expect to find hatches of PMDs and Caddis throughout the day. Pods of rising trout have been fairly easy to catch, it is finding them that has been the issue. Use 9 ft. 5X leaders with flies like a #12 purple Parachute, a #12 pink Hippie Stomper, or a #14 Royal Wulff. Big streamers like a #6 Sparkle Minnow, or a tan Double Gonga might hook you a big one.
See past reports from the Sandpoint/Ponderay area here, or click here to view all northwest regional reports.