Sandpoint/Ponderay, Idaho Fishing Report 08.02.18
Clark Fork River (ID)
Currently flows on the Clark Fork are bouncing from 4,000 to 35,000 cubic feet per second daily. The water temperatures are around 65°F and clarity is between 7-8 feet. Right now, the best fishing is when flows are between 4,000-10,000 cfs. Caddis, pmds, western yellow mayflies, rusty spinners, hoppers, beetles, and ants are all on the menu. If matching the hatch isn’t working, try throwing attractors like a #14 purple rocky mountain mint, a #12 purple chubby chernobyl, or a #10 tan J Slam. Streamers like a #6 sculpzilla and #6 zirdle will work too.
Lake Pend Oreille
Water temperatures are around 71-76°F and water clarity is between 7-8 feet. Mornings and evenings have been the best times to fish the lake. Ski boats take to the water around 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., so if you wish to avoid the waves, fish outside that window. We’ve noticed that pike fishing has been hit or miss. We’ve found that most of the northerns are in or near bays, sloughs, and flats feeding on perch. Flies like a jackknife and flaming lamborghini work well.
Bass fishing has been great off points in 6-15 feet of water. A fast-sinking line is a must unless you are throwing poppers. And, flies like a #4 chartreuse Clouser, a #2 deceiver, and a jiggy worm has been producing some large smallies. The best time to throw topwater flies has been in the mornings and then in evenings when the lake is calm and there are no boats racing around.
Lake Cocolalla
Water temps at Cocolalla have been 72-77°F and clarity is around 4-5 feet. This lake doesn’t see as many water skiers as the big lake but there are always a couple that get on this lake throughout the day. Mornings and evenings are the best time to hit the lake. Fast-sinking line has been a must. You’ll want o fish the drop-offs on the west and east side of the lake with #6 olive woolly buggers, a #8 rust slump busters or orange mini-dungeons.
Kootenai River
Flows on the Kootenai are at 9,100 cfs and water temps are around 55°F. The water clarity is gin clear. Caddis, pmds, rusty spinners, crane flies, hoppers, ants, and beetles can all be found on the river. The hoppers aren’t actively flying around yet but a few are starting to sprout wings and fly. Some attractor fly patterns to throw include; a #10 pink j slam, a #14 purple parachute, and a #10 red hippie stomper. Streamers are always a good choice too. Throw a #4 sparkle minnow or a double gonga for a chance at a monster!
See past reports from the Sandpoint/Ponderay area here, or click here to view all northwest regional reports.