Recommended Flies and Lures

Below is a month-by-month list of flies and patterns. In general, you'll find success with stimulators, stoneflies, caddis flies, bead-head nymphs and streamers. If you're a spin-caster, try your brown or gold rooster tails, Panther-Martens, red-and-black daredevil, green spoons and Mepps. We encourage the use of single barbless hooks and catch-and-release fishing even in areas where regulations allow you to keep fish.

These Idaho rivers run free of dams. High water comes from mid-May to early June each year as warm water brings torrential flows out of the mountains. It's a great time for whitewater rafting, but not so good for fly fishing. Wait until mid-June when flows subside for the best fishing. During the heat of summer, early and late in the day is usually more productive. During the cooler fall and winter months, fishing is best during the midday hours, when the water temperatures are warmer and insect activity peaks.

MAY
If you can't wait until June, and the river is not super high, the rivers may be fishable. Some ideas for patterns are Elk Hair Caddis, Goddard Caddis, X-Caddis, Sparkle Pupa, Emergent Sparkle Pupa, Stimulator, Royal Wulff, Humpy, Golden Ribbed Hares Ear and Zug Bug
JUNE
Hatches of giant salmon fly happen and the fish are aggressive. The same patterns as above work well.
JULY
Grasshoppers and ants should be added to your mix of patterns.
AUGUST
As mentioned above, we don't recommend fishing the Middle Fork Clearwater at this time of year. But the Lochsa can still be productive, especially further upstream.
SEPTEMBER
Beautiful fall colors and cooler weather make for very pleasant fishing conditions.
OCTOBER
Cooler weather and streamer fishing can be productive. Suggested patterns include: Serendipity, Wooly Bugger, Parachute Adams, Black Gnat, Griffith's Gnat and V-Rib Chironomid.
NOVEMBER
Cooler water, but same patterns as October should work well.
DECEMBER
The river is closed during December.

Do it Yourself Fishing

Anglers who prefer to fish on their own will find plenty of great fly fishing waters nearby, including the fabulous Lochsa River. We've complied a list of our favorite spots.

Recommended Flies and Lures
Our guides have plenty of experience on the water and have put together a list of recommend flies and lures for you. If you are taking a guided trip, all flies and lures are included. Fishing on your own? Feel free to take a look at our recommendations.