Kootenai River 

Flows – 14,000 CFS @ Leonia

Temps – 52

We had a big jump in flows this week that is starting to taper off as this report comes out. Flows should settle back down into the 5,000ish CFS range by the weekend at the Leonia gauge. Fishing-wise, this might make things tough for a few days, which happens when we see these big pulses in flows from 4k to 14k and then back to 5k all in about three days. But things should get back to normal shortly after it settles down. Water temps are hanging in the low 50s; nymphing remains the best quantity producer, while streamers have been bringing in the best quality fish. There is still a decent window of dry-fly activity during the heat of the day, and that can change from day-to-day depending on what the weather is doing. If you make it out, bring an array of tactics to tackle the day. As we get more into wintertime, the Montana side provides the best wade options as well as float options. The Idaho side doesn't have a shuttle option this time of year, and the availability of Twin Rivers Resort can be spotty without warning, meaning there may be nobody there to open the gate.

Flies

https://houseoffly.com/umpqua-craven-s-juju-baetis-fly-tungsten-18

https://houseoffly.com/jig-sexy-walts-worm-natural-red-bead-16

https://houseoffly.com/flashback-pheasant-tail-nymph-fly

https://houseoffly.com/fly-project-imperial-ipt

https://houseoffly.com/olsens-blowtorch-tungsten-bead

https://houseoffly.com/umpqua-tungsten-thin-mint-green-olive-black

https://houseoffly.com/fulling-mill-zonker-skullhead-6-natural

https://houseoffly.com/fly-project-bam-bam-minnow-4

https://houseoffly.com/kris-kellers-mr-tickle

https://houseoffly.com/rene-harrops-cdc-midge-adult

https://houseoffly.com/cdc-thorax-bwo-fly

Lake Pend Oreille / River

Lake Level - 2,053.21' elevation

Temps – 51

We are currently about 2' away from our wintertime lake level. Things can get really muddy around the shoreline this time of year, until all that mud starts to freeze. The weeds and grass from summer start to raft up along the shoreline as well so wading is pretty much of limits until that all of it flows downstream or freezes. So fishing from a boat is the best option. Water temps are in the low 50s so targeting fish in the warmest part of the day will provide the best action for the fly angler. It can get tough out there this time of year since these fish have the option to go deep and stay deep all winter, but there are times when you can catch a few in the shallows. Cover water and move around as much as you can and focus on the heat of the day. You should be able to scare something up.

Flies

https://houseoffly.com/fulling-mill-tfp-polar-minnow-6

https://houseoffly.com/balanced-blood-leech-squirrel-fly

https://houseoffly.com/fly-project-flash-n-grab

https://houseoffly.com/kraft-s-kreelex-streamer-minnow-sz-6

https://houseoffly.com/keller-s-she-demon-bugger

https://houseoffly.com/brita-fordices-busta-seamz

Smaller Lakes

Temps – 50-53

Fishing remains good on our smaller trout lakes around the area. Most of the aquatic vegetation has died for the year and is now out of the way in the shallows. Trout are still cruising around shallow and acting aggressive towards food sources. Leeches and Buggers are still working well, as well as Balanced Leeches under an indicator. Stripping in attractor patterns like Blobs and Boobies on a sinking line is also working well. Adjusting your sink rate and covering water seems to work best. I have found during this time of year that once you find that depth a few trout are feeding at, you will most likely find all the trout. Don't be afraid to move out a little deeper if you aren't finding them super shallow, and same goes if you're fishing deep and not getting bites, head in shallow.

Flies

https://houseoffly.com/ruby-red-eyed-leech-fly

https://houseoffly.com/phil-rowleys-balanced-leech

https://houseoffly.com/montana-fly-co-chan-s-bmw

https://houseoffly.com/phil-rowleys-fab-chartreuse

https://houseoffly.com/phil-rowleys-feather-leech

https://houseoffly.com/phil-rowleys-grizzly-dragon-olive

https://houseoffly.com/umpqua-tungsten-thin-mint-green-olive-black