Weekly Fishing Report

This report highlights a few of the best places to fish, what anglers are using and what they are catching. The information is compiled from regional Fish and Game fishery managers, local tackle shops and anglers.

Kokanee Fishing Closed on Coeur d'Alene Lake on September 2, 2008 - Low kokanee numbers, again, prompted Idaho Fish and Game officials to close the kokanee fishery on Coeur d'Alene Lake. Director Cal Groen signed an emergency closure order that closed the fishery beginning Tuesday, September 2, 2008. The closure will remain in effect through December 31, 2008. Recent population surveys made by trawling and hydroacoustics indicate numbers of adult kokanee destined to spawn this fall are similar to the past two year's record low numbers. "Although juvenile abundance is promising, the low number of adult fish once again has IDFG and anglers concerned that there won't be enough spawners to produce next year's fry if we allow a fishery" said Jim Fredericks, Regional Fishery Manager.

This time of year a lot of sportsmen are getting ready for hunting instead of fishing so you probably won't find your favorite spot too crowded.

The Coeur d'Alene River is still fishing like a summer fishery--early mornings and late evenings are the ticket. Floating the lower river has been producing as well as wading some of the higher stretches. Mid-river during midday has seen quite the increase of recreational floaters. Hoppers, ants, beattles, PMD's and caddis have all been working along with your favorite attractor pattern.

Hayden Lake is great fishing for small mouth and large mouth; anglers are finding success using leeches and buggers below an indicator.

Try fishing for cutts on the St. Joe River. Big Attractors, Madame X and, in the evening, caddis are working well.

Every lake trout of any size and rainbow trout more than 13 inches long harvested from Lake Pend Oreille through March 2009 pays $15.00. Lake trout of any size and rainbow trout more than 13 inches long from Lake Pend Oreille count for the $15 cash reward. Rainbow trout more than 13 inches caught in Lower Clark Fork River below the railroad bridge at Clark Fork (open all year) and from Lightning Creek, Grouse Creek and Pack River between April 1 and August 31 are also eligible. Please see details here.