PAST SPOKANE FISHING REPORTS 2024
January 12, 2024
Location: Spokane River
Flows: CFS/3140
Spokane is cold, with more precipitation in the forecast and we need it. With the single digit temps this week, tying flies might be a better option. We have dates still available for fly tying classes, February 3rd, 17th and March 2nd are still open for people wanting to learn to tie and or learn some new tying techniques. Next week fishing should open the opportunity to fish the Spokane. Nymph setups with hot spot flies. Jigged 10,12,14 flies getting down deep in slow runs will show you success. Swing flies is still a viable option black, and red has been killer for us in the shop.
February 20, 2024
Location: Spokane River
Flows: CFS/7,090
Flows on the Spokane are currently sitting at 7,090 cfs, which should make for some great winter fishing. You can expect to find fish holding in all the usual haunts, such as deep-water seams and back eddies. Nymphing a stonefly with a hot-bead Euro nymph will bring the most consistent action but come prepared with some BWO dries because they’re coming off daily. Streamer addicts should try sculpin patterns with a little flash in them.
Location: Area Lakes
Some of our area lakes that are open year-round like 4th of July near Sprague have been producing some jumbo trout. Staple stillwater patterns such as blobs and balanced leeches fished under an indicator have been working the best. If you do decide to try a streamer, be sure to fish it slowly due to the cold water temps. If you have questions about any of our local fisheries, please come into the shop and we’ll get you dialed-in for success!
March 5, 2024
Location: Spokane River
Flows: CFS/9500
Flows on the Spokane have jumped to 9,500 cfs, which will make for some very challenging fishing conditions. If you want to do some river fishing, you’re better off heading to the CDA or St. Joe. Reminder: The Spokane River closes to fishing from the WA/ID border downstream to Nine Mile Dam on March 15th.
Location: Area Lakes
We’ve been getting some great reports from our customers who’ve been hitting local lakes like Liberty, Amber, and Waitts to name a few. Chip O’Brien ventured out to Coffeepot Lake last Friday and caught a few from the bank, so don’t worry if you don’t have a float tube or boat! Balanced and ice off leeches have been doing most of the damage but expect chironomids to start hatching more heavily over the next few weeks. We have a full assortment of stillwater flies and gear in the shop to ensure your success!
Location: Spokanite Brewing
Our fly tying event is fast approaching on Sunday, March 24th at Spokanite Brewing from 2-4 PM. Bring your tying supplies, come have a local beer, and tie some flies with us! Go to our events page for more information on this event and to see what other awesome events are coming up!
March 13, 2024
Location: Spokane River
Flows: CFS/7600
Only a few days left to fish the Spokane before it closes on March 15! A tungsten stonefly pattern with a jigged Prince dropper under an indicator will get it done all day long. BWOs are coming off during the middle part of the day, so if you’re lucky you’ll find some risers. Have a few size 16 baetis cripples at the ready just in case!
Be sure to check out our Coeur d’Alene shop’s report page for the most up to date info on the North Fork and St. Joe!
Reminder: The Spokane River closes to fishing from the WA/ID border downstream to Nine Mile Dam on March 15 – Saturday before Memorial Day.
Location: Area Lakes
We’ve been getting some great reports from our customers who’ve been hitting area lakes like Liberty, Lenore, and Waitts to name a few. Chip O’Brien ventured out to Coffeepot Lake last Friday and caught a few from the bank, so don’t worry if you don’t have a float tube or boat! Balanced and ice off leeches have been doing most of the damage but expect chironomids to start hatching more heavily over the next few weeks. We have a full assortment of stillwater flies and gear in the shop to ensure your success!
Location: Spokanite Brewing
Our fly tying event is fast approaching on Sunday, March 24th at Spokanite Brewing from 2-4 PM. Bring your tying supplies, come have a local beer, and tie some flies with us! Go to our events page for more information on this event and to see what other awesome events are coming up!
March 20, 2024
Location: Spokane River
Flows: CFS/Doesn’t matter!
The Spokane River closed to fishing from the WA/ID border downstream to Nine Mile Dam on March 15 and remains closed until the Saturday before Memorial Day.
Location: Area Lakes
Trout: The chironomid hatch is starting to pick up on the lakes to the west of Spokane. This time of year, it’s usually smart to have a good selection of colors and sizes of these mosquito-like insects. Some of our favorite patterns are Chromies, Snow Cones, and Collaborators.
Balanced leeches fished below an indicator in tandem with a chironomid is a good way start off your day before the hatch gets going. Try switching to a natural-colored Balanced Leech if you find fish shying away from the hot-beaded variety.
Carp: We’ve been getting some great reports of carp being caught in the shallow lakes west of Spokane where water temps have ticked up over the past week. Buggers, Balanced Leeches (stripped and under an indicator), and other medium sized streamer patterns can draw some heart stopping takes from pre-spawn carp! Get after them before they get picky!
Bass: Soon...
Location: Spokanite Brewing
Our fly tying event is this Sunday, March 24th at Spokanite Brewing from 2-4 PM. Bring your tying supplies, come have a local beer, and tie some flies with us! Go to our events page for more information on this event and to see what other awesome events are coming up!
April 3, 2024
Location: Spokane River
Flows: CFS/Doesn’t matter!
The Spokane River closed to fishing from the WA/ID border downstream to Nine Mile Dam on March 15 and remains closed until the Saturday before Memorial Day.
Our annual Lake City Spey Clave in Coeur d’Alene is less than a month away! This is a great chance to learn from some of the best in the industry! Check out our events page for more information!
Location: Area Lakes
Trout: Now that last week’s cold temperatures are behind us, we should start to see some more hatches on area lakes. Callibaetis and chironomids will start hatching in force over the next couple of weeks in the lakes to the west of Spokane. We have plenty of patterns here in the shop to keep you in the game for all phases of these hatches! You should also have some water boatmen at the ready too. If you see fish launching out of the water, it’s usually these little trout skittles they are chasing!
If you are looking to catch some Lahontan Cutthroat, we’ve been hearing some great reports about Lenore and Omak Lakes!
Our annual Lake City Spey Clave in Coeur d’Alene is only a month away! This is a great chance to learn from some of the best in the industry! Check out our events page for more information!
Carp: This time of year, I usually spend my mornings trout fishing and transition to carp in the afternoon after both the air and water temps have warmed up. Focus your efforts on the lakes and canals around Moses Lake. There are dozens of places that hold carp in this area, and many of them never see an angler all year! Black buggers, balanced leeches, and Pat’s Rubberlegs are great patterns to use for pre-spawn carp in off colored water.
Our 1st annual Carp Clave is happening on April 20th in Boardman Oregon and will provide anglers of all skill levels insight on how to catch these peculiar fish. Be sure to check out our events page for full details!
Bass: Soon...
April 10, 2024
Location: Spokane River
Flows: CFS/Doesn’t matter!
The Spokane River closed to fishing from the WA/ID border downstream to Nine Mile Dam on March 15 and remains closed until the Saturday before Memorial Day.
Location: Area Lakes
Trout:Liberty, Waitts, Amber, and Medical Lake have been providing some trouty action for folks who want to stay close to home. Balanced leeches and chironomids under an indicator are still the ticket. Slow stripping streamer along the shoreline will also get some grabs.
We’ve been hearing some great reports from customers heading over to Lenore for Lahontans. These fish love nasty weather, so don’t let a little wind or rain deter you from heading over to check out this unique fishery. Water clarity can be an issue on windy days, but don’t let that deter you. Brightly colored blobs and flashy streamers will often get their attention when the water is murky.
Mid-April is callibaetis time in Central Washington. Lakes like Quail and Dry Falls have great hatches of these size 14-16 mayflies, and the trout take notice. Using a size 14 BH Pheasant Tail or Hare’s Ear will catch fish below the surface before the hatch gets going usually by noon. Retrieve your flies with erratic twitches and hold on tight because the strikes are never subtle!
Our annual Lake City Spey Clave in Coeur d’Alene is less than a month away! This is a great chance to learn from some of the best in the industry! Check out our events page for more information!
Carp: Rivers, creeks, lakes, and ponds in Central Washington have been putting out some bruisers lately. No need to get up early to chase these fish. They like to sleep in and wait for the sun to warm up the water temps in the afternoon. A well-placed fly like a Scarpion or Carpdashian will certainly get their attention.
Our 1st annual Carp Clave is happening on April 20th in Boardman Oregon and will provide anglers of all skill levels insight on how to catch these peculiar fish. Be sure to check out our events page for full details!
April 16, 2024
Location: Spokane River
Flows: CFS/Doesn’t matter!
The Spokane River closed to fishing from the WA/ID border downstream to Nine Mile Dam on March 15 and remains closed until the Saturday before Memorial Day.
Our annual Lake City Spey Clave in Coeur d’Alene is less than a month away! This is a great chance to learn from some of the best in the industry! Check out our events page for more information!
Location: Area Lakes
Trout: Bugs, bugs, and more more bugs! We’re entering that time of year where our lakes are coming to life with insect activity. Chironomid hatches are happening throughout the day and while it’s tempting to put a dry fly on when you see fish chasing chironomid adults on the surface; you’re probably better off sticking to sub-surface larva and pupae patterns. Chromies, SJ worms, zebra midges will all get the job done under an indicator along a weedline.
Callibaetis will be a welcome midday sight at some of the lakes around the Moses Lake area. Let the wind tell you which part of the lake to fish, because these mayflies will be congregated on the windward side, and the trout know this too.
Carp: Five Tips for the Beginning Carp Angler:
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Stealth is key. Carp are as spooky as they come. Walk softly along the bank. Take time to observe the area before approaching it. Keep a low profile. Dress like a sniper, blend into your environment, and pick your targets well.
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How’s your presentation? Think of every carp as Chef Gordon Ramsey. You could have the most delicous looking fly on the end of your leader, but if you cannot present it well on a dinner plate it probably won’t get eaten. Practice your casting accuracy before you go.
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Water clarity will dictate what color fly to use. Have a range of colors from black to orange in your box. A black fly with chartreuse dumbell eyes is my pattern du jour when the water is dirty in the spring.
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Carp are everywhere in Eastern Washington. Do some research, look for spots off the beaten path and explore!
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Go to our 1st Jurassic Carp Clave in Boardman Oregon this Saturday. You’ll have the chance to learn from some of the best carp anglers in our area and make some new friends in the process!
April 25, 2024
Location: Area Lakes
Trout: Stillwater anglers rejoice, the general lake opener is this Saturday! There are so many lakes to choose from in the Spokane area it can be hard to choose which one to go to. Some of our favorites in the shop include Fish (Spokane County), West Medical, and Clear. The weather is looking good for the weekend, so expect to see some chironomid activity. Damsel and dragonfly nymphs will be active around the weed beds. We just got in a bunch of new stillwater patterns to help you have a successful outing!
Carp: The first annual Jurassic Flats Carp Clave was a resounding success! Anglers attending were treated to a ton of information on how to chase these golden ghosts. If you have questions on where to go locally, please swing by the shop.
Warmwater Species: We’ve been getting some great reports from anglers catching crappie while chasing trout. Balanced leeches under an indicator are a great way to target these fish around structure. Smallmouth bass are also getting ready to move into the shallows to build their spawning beds. Tie a meaty streamer on a sink-tip, strip, and hold on!
Flows: CFS/Doesn’t matter!
The Spokane River closed to fishing from the WA/ID border downstream to Nine Mile Dam on March 15 and remains closed until the Saturday before Memorial Day.
May 15, 2024
Location: Spokane River (Closed)
Flows: 7650 CFS (May 21st)
Only a few more days until the Spokane River opens to fishing again! The weather is looking very fishy for opening day on Saturday with clouds/rain in the forecast. Time to dust off those Chubby Chernobyls and get after those Redbands with a dry-dropper rig! Remember to make that dropper 24-36 inches long for optimum fishability.
If you’re looking for numbers of fish, double nymph rigs will be getting it done all summer long. A size 6 stonefly nymph (20-Inch stone is my personal favorite pattern) with a size 14 Duracell dropper will be a staple all season long.
Caddis will be making their showstopping appearance on the river every evening and you can expect to have some shots at risers. Size 14-16 tan caddis patterns like the TFP Party On Top will get it done on some 5X tippet.
Location: Area Lakes
Trout: We’ve been getting great reports from Medical, Badger, Rock, and other local lakes. These cool temperatures and rainhave been keeping the trout happy!
You can expect to see a wide range of bug activity on all our area lakes. Chironomids will be hatching throughout the day. Damsel nymphs will be moving around shallow weedbeds and hatching during the warmest part of the day. Callibaetis mayflies will be coming off midday, with nymphs swimming to the surface throughout the hatch, so have flies like Rowley’s Herl May Flashback in your box to entice trout feeding below the surface. Don’t forget the insect repellent because the mosquitoes have been hatching too!
Warmwater Species: Carp are getting their spawn on in most of the region, but don’t let that deter you from going after them. Like many fish species, not all of them spawn at the same time. The key to having a successful day is finding fish that aren’t in the mood for procreating.
Largemouth have moved into the shallows in preparation for the spawn and have their feedbags on! A Game Changer on a sink-tip line is a great way to target these aggressive fish. Strip, strip, pause, strip, game on!
May 22, 2024
Location: Spokane River (Closed)
Flows: 7650 CFS (May 21st)
Only a few more days until the Spokane River opens to fishing again! The weather is looking very fishy for opening day on Saturday with clouds/rain in the forecast. Time to dust off those Chubby Chernobyls and get after those Redbands with a dry-dropper rig! Remember to make that dropper 24-36 inches long for optimum fishability.
If you’re looking for numbers of fish, double nymph rigs will be getting it done all summer long. A size 6 stonefly nymph (20-Inch stone is my personal favorite pattern) with a size 14 Duracell dropper will be a staple all season long.
Caddis will be making their showstopping appearance on the river every evening and you can expect to have some shots at risers. Size 14-16 tan caddis patterns like the TFP Party On Top will get it done on some 5X tippet.
Location: Area Lakes
Trout: We’ve been getting great reports from Medical, Badger, Rock, and other local lakes. These cool temperatures and rainhave been keeping the trout happy!
You can expect to see a wide range of bug activity on all our area lakes. Chironomids will be hatching throughout the day. Damsel nymphs will be moving around shallow weedbeds and hatching during the warmest part of the day. Callibaetis mayflies will be coming off midday, with nymphs swimming to the surface throughout the hatch, so have flies like Rowley’s Herl May Flashback in your box to entice trout feeding below the surface. Don’t forget the insect repellent because the mosquitoes have been hatching too!
Warmwater Species: Carp are getting their spawn on in most of the region, but don’t let that deter you from going after them. Like many fish species, not all of them spawn at the same time. The key to having a successful day is finding fish that aren’t in the mood for procreating.
Largemouth have moved into the shallows in preparation for the spawn and have their feedbags on! A Game Changer on a sink-tip line is a great way to target these aggressive fish. Strip, strip, pause, strip, game on!
May 29, 2024
Location: Spokane River
Flows: 4960 CFS (May 27th)
Caddis! Caddis! Caddis! The bugs are coming off in droves on the Spokane River in the evening, and if you know where to look, you’ll even find some risers. We have a bunch of sneaky good patterns like Keller’s Center Stage Caddis in the shop to help you fool those Redbands.
On the sub-surface side of things, you can expect consistent action with your bread & butter nymph patterns. Pat’s Rubber Legs, Copper Johns, and Prince Nymphs will produce all day long. The key to successful nymphing on the Spokane is not only the type of fly, but also the weight of said fly. Tungsten beaded patterns will consistently produce more fish than their lighter brass beaded cousins. Tungsten gets in the zone faster and stays there. Adding split shot to your leader is always an option if you aren’t using tungsten.
Streamers on your single-hand or trout spey rod will get it done. No need to use a super heavy sink tip, the fish will hunt down your fly!
Location: Area Lakes
Trout: We’ve been fortunate that our water temps have remained cool enough for some excellent trout fishing in our local lakes. Now that river fishing has kicked into high gear, you’ll have plenty of elbow room out there!
Stripping damsel and dragonfly nymphs around the weed beds is a surefire way to have a good time. Don’t forget to bring a few adult imitations as well!
Warmwater Species: I’ve been chasing smallmouth with reckless abandon for the past few weeks with no regrets, sorry trout. The Ronde, Columbia, Pend Oreille, and Snake have all been fishing well. Long Lake too. Game Changers, crayfish patterns, and big streamers are all getting crushed. Just go and give it a try, you’ll thank me later.
Carp are getting their spawn on in most of the region, but don’t let that deter you from going after them. Like many fish species, not all of them spawn at the same time. The key to having a successful day is finding fish that aren’t in the mood for procreating.
Largemouth have moved into the shallows in preparation for the spawn and have their feedbags on! A Game Changer on a sink-tip line is a great way to target these aggressive fish. Strip, strip, pause, strip, game on!
June 4, 2024
Location: Spokane River
Flows: 7540 CFS (June 4th)
Recent rains have caused the Spokane River to rise 3,000 CFS in the past 24 hours. This bump in flows will push fish into the soft seams and back eddies. Dry-droppers are a great searching setup for the Spokane when there aren’t any apparent hatches. A size 6-8 chubby in purple or Royal Coachman colors followed by a CDC Prince or Duracell 2-3 feet below is a surefire way to have a fun time.
Location: Area Lakes
Trout: Normally by now I would be saying leave the trout alone on the lakes because of water temps, but not this year! We should have another couple weeks of solid fishing before it’s time to turn our attention to bass and carp on our local lowland lakes. Chironomids, damselflies, dragonflies, along with attractor patterns like FABs and blobs should do the trick.
Stripping damsel and dragonfly nymphs around the weed beds is a surefire way to have a good time. Don’t forget to bring a few adult imitations as well!
Warmwater Species:
If you haven’t been targeting bass, what in the world are you waiting for? Sprague, Silver, and Waitts have all been putting out some beautiful largemouth bass lately. Grab your favorite 6-8 weight rod with a floating line, 7.5-foot 1X leader, and some lightly weighted streamers and go get some green! Focus your attention along the shoreline. Docks are always a safe bet. So are lily pads.
Crappies are not crappy to catch. They’re scrappy and abundant in many of the same lakes that you’ll find bass swimming around in! They love shoreline structure like trees and stumps, and where there’s one there is usually a dozen more waiting to bite your balanced leech or bugger. Try it, you’ll thank me later!
June 13, 2024
Location: Spokane River
Flows: 6000 CFS (June 11th)
Perfect summer weather and flows are keeping both fish and anglers happy on the Spokane River. Caddis are still popping off in large numbers in the evening, so you can expect to find rising fish during the golden hour. Use a tan X-Caddis or TFP Party on Top Caddis in size 16. When fishing caddis patterns it’s always a good idea to let your flies swing and skate along the surface until the fly is directly downstream of you. You’ll often catch more fish doing this than using your standard up and across dry fly presentation.
Can’t make it out for the evening hatch? No worries, we’ve got plenty of nymph patterns in the shop that’ll make your bobber drop. Never forget the 3 P’s when fishing the Spokane. Pats, Perdigons, and Princes!
Location: Area Lakes
Trout: Temps are still hovering in the high 50’s to low 60’s in many lakes in throughout the region. We’ve been receiving some stellar reports from customers heading to lakes north of Chewelah (hint). Be prepared to switch up tactics throughout the day as different hatches come off. Chironomids in the morning. Callibaetis, damsels, and dragonflies during the mid-morning and afternoon. Balanced Leeches all day long.
Warmwater Species:
Chip O’Brien met up with guide Travis De Boer, owner of Canyon Ops Fly Fishing, last week for a little recon mission to central Washington. During their exploration they hooked up with some hefty carp and even a few catfish! Now is the time to go exploring those spots you’ve been thinking about fishing all winter! We’ve got a full assortment of flies in the shop to make sure your carp outing is a success.
I’ve been suffering from bass on the brain lately. While I thoroughly enjoy trout fishing, it’s hard not to go bass fishing this time of year. The fish are easy to find, just look for any natural or man-made structures along the shoreline. Game Changers, Dahlberg Divers, and Balanced Leeches have all been working great. Be sure to use a stout leader like Rio’s Big Nasty that will turn over those wind-resistant flies and help steer the big ones away from obstacles.
July 10, 2024
Location: Spokane River
Flows: 1620 CFS (July 9th)
The Spokane River remains cool thanks to the aquifers that enter the river in the Spokane Valley. That being said, you should still try to get up before dawn to have the best fishing on the ‘Kan. Flows have continued to drop and now is the time to get out there if you’re a wade angler. Look for trout to be holding in the riffles in the morning and retreating to deeper water when the sun gets on the water.
Nymphers, both euro and non-euro, will be getting after it with jigged 20-Inch stones and perdigons (no soul required). Dry fly enthusiasts will want some foam in their arsenal as the hoppers are making their return. Be sure to have some caddis as well. If the swing is your thing, try a double soft hackle rig.
Warmwater Species: Banks Lake will be crawling with carp anglers this weekend as the 7th annual Schmoots Clooper tournament hosted by Bill Marts kicks off on Friday evening. We’re proud to sponsor this fun event, and you’ll even find Mr. Chip O’Brien representing the West Spokane shop in the tournament! No pressure, Chip...
Fishing continues to be great for bass on both lakes and rivers. Poppers are always an option, especially at dawn or dusk. Meaty streamers like Keller’s Montana Humdinger will continue to get eats during the heat of the day.
July 17, 2024
Location: Spokane River
Flows: 1590 CFS (July 16th)
The fishing has been hot on the Spokane over the past week, with both air temps and bent rods. Fortunately, the trout are staying a lot cooler than we are thanks to the aquifers.
Caddis and mayfly hatches have been strong enough to catch the attention of willing trout before the sun gets on the water. Size 16-18 dry flies and swung soft hackles are the ticket. Make sure you are scaling down your tippet size and lengthening your leaders because these fish can be pickier than a toddler when it comes to eating. Come into the shop for a full assortment of Spokane River trout snacks.
Nymphing and dry-dropper rigs are the way to go once the sun is on the water. Hoppers are bouncing around everywhere, so be sure to have some tan, brown, and pink foam bugs ready.
Warmwater Species: It sounds like everyone attending the annual Schmoots Clooper Carp Tournament had an awesome time this past weekend! The carp were on the prowl with several participants catching multiple fish. Now is the time to get after them as many of our local trout fisheries are becoming too low and warm for fishing.
Chad Triplett with Fly Fish Spokane has been crushing the argemouth with poppers on his days off from guiding. There are several bodies of water in our area that offer incredible fishing for warmwater species. The best part is you don’t even need a boat to access many of these spots. All you need is a handful of flies and an open mind!
July 24, 2024
Location: Spokane River
Flows: 974 CFS (July 23th)
The summer doldrums are here, but fortunately it looks like we’ll be getting some relief from the record temperatures we’ve been seeing for the past couple of weeks. The flows on the Spokane are also in summer mode, which will make wading as easy as it gets on this notoriously slippery river.
Fishing has been hit or miss over the past week. If you are going to hit the water, it is best to get up early and fish for a few hours before the sun rises above the tree line. Hopper – dropper rigs are going to be a safe bet with many trout holding at the head of runs in the higher oxygenated water.
We still have a few openings for our August 10th Fly Fishing 101 class. This is a free class designed to shorten the learning curve and increase the fun factor! Stop by the shop to sign up!
Warmwater Species: Topwater fishing for bass remains stellar at first and last light. Try fishing the edge of weed beds during the day with a balanced leech under an indicator. While not as exciting as topwater, this is a great way to pick up fish throughout the day.
Carp fishing has been great for those braving the heat. Expect to find plenty of carp basking in the sun and not feeding. Don’t waste your time with these guys and focus on fish that are nose down in the mud. Be sure to have flies in various weights so you will be able to cover water from a foot to five feet deep.
July 31, 2024
Location: Spokane River
Flows: 881 CFS (July 30th)
The cooldown has helped fishing since our last report. Hopefully, you were able to make it out because things are going to get hot again on Friday! Thankfully, our nights are getting longer so our temps will be more conducive to fishing first thing in the morning.
Hoppers are out in force this summer, so logic would say to try a hopper. Logic might also tell you to tie a dropper under that hopper. I agree.
Tired of tubers? Have you tried downstream of the wastewater treatment plant? How about below Little Falls or Long Lake Dams? Go forth, explore, and complain about the innertube hatch no more!
We still have a couple of openings for our August 10th Fly Fishing 101 class. This is a free class designed to shorten the learning curve and increase the fun factor! Stop by the shop to sign up!
Warmwater Species: Warmwater fishing remains as hot as the stillwater temps, especially with the nighttime popper bite. If you have never tried night fishing for bass and crappie with poppers, you’re seriously missing out. Lakes like Newman and Silver that are crawling with jet skis and ski boats (eww) during the day tend to come alive after dark, as fish lose their inhibitions and feed freely.
Carp are still being carpish. Some days you’ll find them with the feedbags on and other days they don’t want anything to do with you. That said, as we get later into August, they will start feeding heavily again once that first tinge of fall is in the air.
August 12, 2024
Location: Spokane River
Flows: 850 CFS (August 12th)
The beat goes on when it comes to the Spokane River. Flows are so low on the Spokane right now it’s criminal, literally. Thankfully, the water remains cool due to the aquifers.
Throwing tiny dries and swinging soft hackles before the sun hits the water will wake you up quicker than a cup of gas station coffee.
We’ve also been getting some good reports from customers swinging streamers. Think small sculpin patterns...
Perdigons and Frenchies are still doing the job when fishing a hopper-dropper or used as a point/dropper fly when nymphing.
Warmwater Species: Carp and bass fishing has been consistent for those still venturing out for some warmwater action. Air temperatures are more tolerable now than a couple of weeks ago, so it’s a great time to get out and explore! Not sure where to start? Come in and talk to us!
Poppers and sliders are still the way to go when chasing bass. Be sure to give your fly a little extra slap when it hits the water to get their attention!
September 3, 2024
Location: Spokane River
Flows: 713 CFS
September is here! The only problem is no one told the weather man. It looks like we will have another hot stretch of weather over the next 10 days. Regardless of the weather, fishing should be stellar, especially in the morning and evening.
I had a great morning swinging a black and blue Slumpbuster on the trout spey last week. No spey? No problem! Your single-hand rod will do the job just fine, and no need for a sink tip yet.
On Monday I decided to change things up a bit and hit a stretch of river that had some long, flat runs in the hope of some dry fly action. The calm overcast conditions had the fish rising on the surface taking a variety of insects. Small BWO, ant, and hopper patterns all managed to full some fish for me. Stealth is key with the water being so low and clear. Don’t hesitate to extend your leader out to 15 feet if you’re getting rejections.
Steelhead
Steelhead are moving up the Columbia River system on their way to the Clearwater, Grande Ronde, Snake and other tribs. The numbers look promising, and we have the knowledge, gear, and flies to make your trip a success!
House of Fly will be co-hosting the ‘24 Clearwater Spey Gathering on September 28th in Orofino, ID. This is sure to be another awesome event with guests like Ed Ward and Simon Gawesworth sharing their knowledge! Find all the detailed information here: https://flyproject.us/red-shed-spey-clave
Warmwater Species
Bass, carp, and other warmwater species get lonely this time of year, with most anglers focusing on trout, steelhead, or hunting. Fishing for these species in September can be incredible as they feed heavily in preparation for leaner times.
Poppers and frog patterns continue to work great for both largies and smallmouth. We have a slew of local waters to choose from when it comes to bass. Pick one and go enjoy the peacefulness of September!
September 10, 2024
Location: Spokane River
Flows: 955 CFS
Finally! The air temperatures are cooling down and the flows on the Spokane are creeping back up! The shift in weather also means a shift in hatches. We will start to see some October Caddis on the water, so have some patterns to match the hatch. Think an orange PMX, Chubby Chernobyl, or Rubberleg Stimulator.
The subsurface game will remain the same with a wide variety of nymphs getting the job done. October Caddis Pupa, Pat’s Rubberlegs, Prince Nymphs in size 8-10 make a great top fly with a small (16-18) Pheasant Tail dropper is always a good call in the fall.
Steelhead
I’ll be presenting a Steelhead 101 Clinic at the store on Saturday, September 21st at 9:00 AM for those looking to try their hand at catching one of these fabled Northwest fish. Come into the shop or call (509) 418-9460 to sign up!
Steelhead are moving up the Columbia River system on their way to the Clearwater, Grande Ronde, Snake and other tribs. The numbers look promising, and we have the knowledge, gear, and flies to make your trip a success!
House of Fly will be co-hosting the ‘24 Clearwater Spey Gathering on September 28th in Orofino, ID. This is sure to be another awesome event with guests like Ed Ward and Simon Gawesworth sharing their knowledge! Find all the detailed information here: https://flyproject.us/red-shed-spey-clave
Warmwater Species
Bass fishing will remain great, even with the cooldown, as they put the feedbags on before the chilly weather sets in later this fall. You should still be able to find some topwater action but have those streamers and sink-tip handy!
Carp fishing will get even better with the cooler temperatures, and you won’t have to limit your fishing because of the heat. Expect to find the fish less spooky as they put on even more bulk for winter! Banks Lake is beautiful and uncrowded this time of year. Get out there and enjoy it!
CURRENT FISHING REPORT
September 24, 2024
Location: Spokane River
Flows: 1240 CFS
Even though the calendar says it is fall, mother nature didn’t seem to get the message yet. Temperatures will continue to be in the 70’s into next week. Nighttime lows will be down in the 40’s though, so that’ll get the hatches moving. Caddis, including the big October ones will be the primary winged food source for our redbands until some rain and overcast skies bring out the BWOs.
Swinging streamers is another fantastic way to catch some nice fish in the fall. Unlike Montana, think smaller patterns like Found Ya Buggers and Sparkle Minnows. A floating or intermediate sink-tip is all you’ll need until the flows bump up!
Steelhead
Fish are being caught on the Grande Ronde and Clearwater! It’s time to get your gear ready for what is shaping up to be a great season! Never fished for steelhead before? Don’t sweat it, we can help you catch your first one!
House of Fly will be co-hosting the ‘24 Clearwater Spey Gathering on September 28th in Orofino, ID. This is sure to be another awesome event with guests like Ed Ward and Simon Gawesworth sharing their knowledge! Find all the detailed information here: https://flyproject.us/red-shed-spey-clave
Stillwater
This is the last week to go out and fish at some of our area's lakes. Be sure to check the regulations before you head out.
I was at Newman Lake yesterday and there were a lot of dragonflies buzzing around. Water boatmen will also be doing their thing in the lakes this fall and are one of the more exciting hatches to fish. You’ll know when the hatch is happening because you will see trout launching themselves out of the water to catch the quick boatmen!