September 16th, 2017

I just spent the last 5 days fishing and camping on the North Fork of the Coeur d Alene River.  Hands down this was the best fishing I've had all year. While in the summer you will find smaller cutts in the 10"-12"range.  The majority (80%) of the fish I caught were in the 16"-18" range the largest was 21".  All the fish were fat and stocky with bright fall colors.  If you've thought the season is winding down, you are wrong.  I stayed at Devils Elbow Campground from Sunday Night till Saturday morning.  During that time there were only 2 other campers and they just stayed for single nights.  I had the whole campsite and the water in front of it to myself.  

During the warmer, sunnier days hoppers ruled!  Large tan or tan and yellow belly hoppers worked best.  Look for the longer deeper pools or up against downed logs.  Hoppers usually worked mid morning to mid afternoon.  There was also a fairly regular caddis hatch from early afternoon to late afternoon.  The hatches were not huge but they did keep the fish rising at a steady regular pace.  When this happens take a step back and watch.  You will notice that all rising trout are not created equal.  Instead of just jumping in try targeting the larger fish.  In the mornings nymphing worked well with basic Brassies and Copper Johns.  Bu the real fun was throwing large streamers in the morning and early evening.  The water is so clear right now you can track your fly the whole way and see the explosive hits.  The river is the healthiest I've seen all year.  The flows are low, but it concentrates the fish.  The water is also gin clear and cool.  The trout are very active.

Besides the caddis hatch, Blue Wing Olives and Mahogany's were also making an appearance.  With the unsettled weather moving in next week the BWO's and Mahogany's will really start to pop.  I'll be guiding on the Clark Fork twice this week.  I will post a first hand repot later this week.

NF CDA Flows  - 76 CFS Prichard, 340 Cataldo  Water temp  58 degrees

Hatches  -  Hoppers, Caddis, BWOs and Mahogany's just starting

Suggested Flies

Hoppers!  Tan or Gray #8-#10  We have a lot!
Tan Elk Hair Caddis
Hares Ear Sledgehammer Caddis
Cinnamon Caddis
Ovulating Caddis -  Swing It!
Adams Irrestable
Carlo's Copper Haze
Parachute Mahogany
Galloup tilt wing Mahogany
SF Chernobyl Ant (small)
Copper John
Brassie
Serendipity

STREAMERS!

Galloup Mini Sex Dungion
Complex Twist, tan and fall orange
Big Horn Circus Peanut
​Cheech Leech, Halloween and fall orange