ACLEARWATER & SNAKE RIVER FISHING REPORT
April 9, 2026
Lewiston, ID
Fisheries This Week:
Flows are back on the rise across the region, and while conditions are high, fast, and off-color, fishing is still very much in play. Anglers willing to adjust and focus on softer water, slower presentations, and getting flies down, will still find opportunities.
Hatches are continuing to come off despite the higher water, so keep an eye out for bugs and don’t overlook fish sliding into softer seams to feed.
Heavy nymph rigs remain the most consistent approach. Be sure to fish large indicators, plenty of split shot, and heavily weighted flies. For those throwing streamers, sink-tips are a must to get down into the strike zone.
Lochsa River
6,500 cfs at Lowell (rising)
The Lochsa is on the upswing again and pushing toward last week’s peak. Expect challenging conditions, but not impossible fishing. Focus your efforts on soft edges, inside seams, and any water with reduced current speed.
Nymphing will be your best bet. Fish heavy and don’t be shy with weight. With the river moving quickly, line control is everything. Mend early, mend often, and then mend again to keep your drift slow and natural.
Selway River
8,590 cfs at Lowell (slightly dropping)
Still running high but beginning to trend in the right direction. Fishing will remain technical, but there are opportunities, especially in the lower river and slower holding water.
Nymph rigs will produce best. Try a heavy stonefly pattern up front, like a Pat’s Rubber Legs, Jigged Batman, Atomic Stone, or Double BH Stone, paired with a smaller trailing fly like a Two-Bit Hooker, Peach Fuzz, Perdigon, or Iron Lotus.
Watch for subtle bug activity in calmer water—fish may still be looking up when conditions allow.
St. Joe River
5,170 cfs at Calder (dropping)
After a big spike over the weekend, the Joe has come down significantly but remains high. Fishing will still be tough in many areas, though improving.
Stick to the lower river (Calder and downstream) and target softer water. Heavy nymphing setups are key, similar to what you would throw on the Selway.
If fish aren’t cooperating, don’t hesitate to switch things up with a worm or egg pattern to trigger a response.
North Fork of Clearwater
7,550 cfs at Canyon Ranger Station (rising)
Flows are back up and bringing mud with them. Expect limited visibility and challenging access. 4WD is highly recommended.
As with the rest of the region, nymphing is the game. Fish big, visible patterns with enough weight to get down. Stonefly patterns paired with smaller mayfly imitations continue to be the go-to setup.
Even in off-color water, fish will hold along softer edges. Find those zones and fish them thoroughly.
Conditions aren’t easy right now, but they’re far from unfishable. Focus on slower water, fish deep, and stay patient. With hatches still coming off, there are solid opportunities for anglers willing to adapt.
Reminder: We’re hosting FREE Fly Fishing 101 classes every Saturday at 10am. Whether you’re brand new or just looking to tighten up the fundamentals, it’s a great way to get dialed before heading out.
Question of The Day
"What flies do carp eat?"
Carp feed on a variety of forage. So having everything from small craw patterns, clam patterns, nymphs, mulberry patters and even in some cases cottonwood seed flies. So, it’s essential to carry a wide variety of flies in your box. It all depends on your fishery and where the fish are when they are actively feeding. My preference is to fish for carp on flats.