Fishing better than usual this time of year

Recent rains have caused the Coeur d'Alene River to rise and run faster, but in another week the water level should be back down, which makes for good rainbow trout fishing, said Brad Zierer, of Black Sheep Sporting Goods.

And the warmer than usual winter and spring has made the fishing a little better than usual for this time of year, he said.

Stone fly hatches have been spotted on the river near the Cataldo Mission Slough area, and anglers can use black stimulators in size 14 to catch trout there. Rainbows are also hitting on size 16 to 18 chironomid nymph pattern and the same sized Trico spinners if cast off the river banks, he said.

"Give it another couple of weeks," Zierer said of when the river fishing really heats up.

In the meantime, pikes are also especially active at Wolf Lodge Bay on Lake Coeur d'Alene chasing smelt and a slip bobbers.

A 30-pound female was just pulled from there, Zierer said.

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Salmon season has finally arrived at Lake Coeur d'Alene.

"The salmon are starting to bite really good on herring and deep Rapala plugs," said Raleigh Turley with Fins and Feathers Tackle Shop and Guide Service.

Most of the action has been on the southern end of the lake from East Point on, he said. Some catches are up to 15 pounds.

"This will keep going like this until the water gets really nice and warm," Turley estimated. "We've probably got another good month and a half, maybe two, until the salmon go back deep again."

Low water levels are still a hindrance for fishing at other bodies of water, he said, especially the Chain Lakes that are nearly dry.

Still, pike fishing has been good on Lake Coeur d'Alene, with fish chomping on herring or smelt under a bobber.

Turley added that Fernan Lake still boasts plenty of trout, crappie and perch, which are biting on screw grubs and rocket bobbers.

Coeur d'Alene River is still seeing plenty of catches, too, he added, despite the low water levels.

"It's been mostly worms or salmon eggs," he suggested for bait. "Some guys are doing good on some niche flies and woolly buggers."

St. Joe and Coeur d'Alene rivers

The rivers are fishing quite well, said Mark Roush of ROW Adventures in Coeur d'Alene.

"During the afternoon hours you should look for small mayfly and golden stone hatches," he said. "These fish will be looking for a drag-less drift, so be sure to mend your line well and give your fly a natural drift."

Also, there are still cutthroat and rainbow looking for wooly buggers and leaches that are being drug through deeper holes and runs. Look for larger afternoon hatches in the next two weeks.

Area lakes

Lake Coeur d'Alene is fishing relatively well, Roush said.

Water levels are still low, but pike will be cruising the shoreline shortly. There are some bass that have been active on the south end of the lake.

Hayden Lake has not been seeing much action the last week or two for trophy fish. However, there has been a big perch bite on the north end.

"Try floating night crawlers 4 to 5 feet down along the weed line," Roush said. "Strikes will be subtle, so be sure to give a small tug when you see your float drop below the surface."

Fernan is fishing quite well, Roush said.

Fish with grubs and night crawlers on the bottom or simply troll with small spinners and spoons on the southern shore. If all else fails, go to the north end and slow drift indigenous minnows or worms about 3 feet down under an indicator.

Steelhead

Steelhead fishing is beginning to slow down drastically, but there are still some fish to be caught, Roush said.

A nymph and egg pattern with a sink tip under an indicator will be your best option, he said.