Kokanee, steelhead still plentiful in area

Fishermen are still catching plenty of kokanee on Lake Coeur d'Alene, said Dale Odenbaugh with Fins and Feathers Tackle Shop and Guide Service.

He suggested using Jack Lloyd lures, or wedding rings and maggots.

"You can pretty much fish on top. You don't need to go down too far," Odenbaugh said.

Steelhead trout are also picking up on the lake, he added.

Hauser and Fernan lakes are still the best spots to catch catfish, Odenbaugh said.

Nightcrawlers usually do the trick, he said, or stink and dough baits.

He also suggested rappallas or throwing plastics.

Pike is slowing down on the Chain Lakes and on Lake Coeur d'Alene, he added.

Fishermen can try with spinner baits and brush, though.

Many small lakes are stocked with trout this time of year, Odenbaugh said, including Shepherd, Round, Kelso and Granite lakes.

"Generally a worm always works good," Odenbaugh said for catching trout. "Throw some spoons and some Thomas Buoyants (lures)."

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The cool, cloudy weather has brought some good fishing, said Mike Beard of Orvis Northwest Outfitters in Coeur d'Alene.

"We're starting to get more away from hoppers. We're getting into mayflies and things like that," Beard said.

Good patterns right now include mahoganies, rusty spinners and pale morning duns.

"The October caddis should be out fairly soon," Beard said.

St. Joe and Coeur d'Alene rivers

Fall is in the air and the fishing has been excellent on the St. Joe and Coeur d'Alene rivers, said Mark Roush of ROW Adventures in Coeur d'Alene.

"Blue-winged olives are a hot fly right now," Roush said. "Midges have also gotten some good looks from cutties throughout the day. Caddis in a variety of patterns have also worked effectively."

Large October caddis have been working nicely and should continue to do so for the next month, Roush said. Fish have been keying in most on orange-bodied caddis ranging from small to large.

Area lakes

Lakes have continued to fish well, Roush said.

"Fernan consistently produces healthy catches of rainbow trout and catfish," he said. "Nightcrawlers on the bottom is always a good option."

Hayden Lake and the southern end of Coeur d'Alene are hot right now for smallmouth bass.

"Deep-diving crankbaits and spinners are lucrative choices for anglers," Roush said.

Pike have also been feeding with some regularity on the Chain Lakes, Hayden and Coeur d'Alene.