Sandpoint/Ponderay, Idaho Fishing Report 09.27.18
Clark Fork River (ID)
Flows out of Cabinet Gorge Dam are ranging from 6,000 to 28,000 cubic feet per second. Water clarity is roughly 10 feet, and the temperatures are between 56-64°F. Waders are a must for this time of year due to dropping water temperatures. Fishing has been best when flows are between 6,000 to 10,000 cfs. Once the river nears 30,000 cfs, the lower Clark Fork below the bridge fishes better.
You’ll want to look for bugs like October caddis, western yellow mayflies, and midges. Also, there has not been a lot of October caddis, but the Idaho side of the Clark Fork isn’t known for getting prolific October caddis hatches. If the trout aren’t keying in on the naturally matched flies, throw something like a #16 purple rocky mountain mint, a #16 gulper, or a #14 hippie stomper. Plus, swinging a #6 Montana mini intruder through the long runs is always a good idea too.
Lake Pend Oreille
The lake has dropped a foot and will continue to drop in the coming months. Water clarity is 10 feet, and water temperatures are between 57-64°F. The pike fishing has been good for those who know where to look. Use floating line when fishing water 6 feet and under and a fast sinking line in 7 feet plus. They should be along the weed lines, cruising for unsuspecting perch. My go-to fly for pike is a red jackknife, but a chartreuse pike slider will also work. Bass fishing has been slow. A lot of the smallies are schooled up. Fast sinking line is preferred this time of year. You’ll want to use flies like a #6 Clouser, a 2/0 bushwacker, and a #4 creek crawler.
Lake Cocolalla
Water clarity is 3 to 4-feet and temperatures range from 57-64°F. The trout are now cruising the surface searching for midges or juvenile perch. An intermediate line is perfect for this lake, but I will use a type-3 from time to time. You’ll want to strip flies like a #8 olive balanced leech, a #6 rust slump buster, and a #6 thin mint.
Kootenai River
Flows out of Libby Dam are right around 6,000 cfs, and the clarity is perfect. This is a great river to fish all day long. You’ll want to look for October caddis, baetis, and midges. If the trout aren’t eating the naturals, toss a #10 hippie stomper, a #10 chubby chernobyl, or a #16 purple parachute. This is a perfect river to nymph, so don’t forget your #8 pat’s rubber legs, a #14 BH RL prince, a #16 lightning bug, or a #16 tungsten assassin. Finally, try swinging a #6 bald eagle through the deep holes, and slow riffles.
See past reports from the Sandpoint/Ponderay area here, or click here to view all northwest regional reports.