SPOKANE RIVER FISHING REPORT
June 3, 2025
Location: Spokane River
Flows: 7,730 CFS
“There were so many people fishing!” This is what I’ve heard all week from people fishing on the North Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River. Well, I’ve been fishing the Spokane either before or after work nearly every day and have yet to run into another angler. Sure, if you fish on the weekend, you might find someone fishing in “your” spot, but just remember there are miles of accessible river from the Bowl and Pitcher to the State Line to fish!
Flows have dropped dramatically since my report last week, so wading will be a lot more pleasant for those getting out this weekend!
Caddis have been the main course for hungry trout on the Spokane and will continue to be over the next month. I’ve been doing a lot of soft hackle swinging with a Scandi line on the trout spey and have been picking up some really nice fish in the evening. I would argue that a grab on the swing is greater than a dry fly eat. If you don’t have a trout spey setup, your trusty ol’ single-hander will get the job done swinging.
The dry-dropper is another staple technique during the summer months on the Spokane River. Running a brown, burnt orange, or purple size 6–8 Water Walker with a size 14–16 caddis pupa-ish-looking fly three feet below your fly will always be a safe bet in June!
Must Have Flies: Jigged 20-Inch Stone, Bird of Prey, EZ Caddis
Eastern WA Trout Lakes
Most anglers have forgotten about the stillwater game with the hot weather and stellar river fishing we’ve been having in the region. If you do head out to our area lakes, make sure to get on and off the water early to increase your odds of catching a few. Unless you plan on keeping a couple for dinner (where legal), try to keep them in the water and release with minimal contact.
Browns Lake - https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/locations/lowland-lakes/browns-lake
Bayley Lake - https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/locations/lowland-lakes/bayley-lake
Renner Lake - https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/locations/lowland-lakes/renner-lake
Stillwater Patterns: Summer Duck Pupa, Seal Bugger, Half Back
Warm Water Speicis
We’ve been getting some good reports from people venturing over to the Banks and Potholes area for carp! I’ve just about had my fill of trout fishing for a while, and I’m starting to get that itch only a carp can scratch.
Luckily for me, I’ll be heading to our 2nd Annual Jurassic Flats Carp Clave on Saturday to join some of my favorite people in Boardman, OR. If you're looking for something fun to do this weekend, come check it out! It’s going to be a great event! Click here for more info.
Bass fishing has been and will continue to be stellar throughout the summer months. Smallmouth and largemouth can be caught on topwater patterns with consistency around docks and lily pads. We have an awesome selection of poppers and mouse patterns for all your bassin’ needs. Come in and check them out!
Carp Bugs: Carpdashian, Carp Dragon, Scarpion
Bass Bugs: Poppers, Mice, Scorpions