Fly Fishing Stream Conditions Report: Coeur d'Alene River

This year: The Coeur d'Alene River is currently flowing around 3100 CFS at Cataldo, with water temperatures in the mid-40s to low 50s. We're seeing flows drop, which is a positive sign for fishing, especially considering the average for this month has been closer to 1900 CFS. Anglers should take advantage of these dropping flows. Early in the day, nymphing is your best bet. As the day progresses, especially on overcast days, look for mayfly hatches from mid-day into the afternoon. Don't overlook chucking larger streamers or 'meat' at the banks. For warmwater smallmouth, focus on rocky shorelines, drop-offs, logs, boulders in 5-10 feet of water, and docks, using fast-sinking tips and articulated streamers. The big smallmouth have also moved into the shallows for their spawn. March Browns have been the dominant mayfly hatch, but you'll also see Blue Wing Olives and some stoneflies. A Para Wulff Adams with a Hare's Ear Soft Hackle dropper is a great combo for matching these. For Blue Wing Olives, a Soft Hackle can be very effective. A medium-sized Chubby Chernobyl with a 3-foot tungsten beadhead dropper, like a Hare's Ear or a Pheasant Tail, is also effective. Keep an eye out for carpenter ant and beetle hatches, which can be a huge factor this time of year, especially fishing close to the banks.

Best time of day: Afternoon

Prior years: No prior years report for this period.