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Idaho has always been famous for the quality of its fly fishing. More than 10 world-class blue-ribbon wild trout streams, including the St Joe River, Middle Fork of the Salmon and Henry’s Fork are scattered throughout the state. Many other top-quality trout streams exist that don’t get the headlines and the crowds. Idaho’s mountains are home to more than 1,500 high mountain lakes with excellent trout fishing. The Clearwater and Snake River systems lay claim to some of the best Steelhead fishing in the country. In contrast to some states, most Idaho fishing waters are located in the public realm, and are open to the public. Access is free and guests are welcome.
North Idaho is best known for the Coeur d’Alene and St. Joe rivers. These freestone streams house large numbers of hungry cutthroat anxious to rise on a well-placed fly. The cutthroat trout is the official state fish of Idaho. In fact, Idaho offers more native cutthroat trout fishing than any other state in the nation. Here, anglers have opportunities to catch native trout in their ancestral waters. The Coeur d’Alene River, just 30 minutes from the city of Coeur d’Alene stretches over 80 miles before pouring into Lake Coeur d’Alene. Similarly, the St Joe reaches all the way from Montana before it empties into Lake Coeur d’Alene. Standard fly fishing techniques are used on both of these rivers, and people are attracted from across the country to fish these remote mountain jewels. While the main species caught are native cutthroat, there are some large rainbow trout that inhabit these waters, as well as the mighty bull trout. Seasons start in early April with prolific golden stone hatches and then follow a natural entomological progression through the spring and summer months. Mayfly, caddis, hopper and other terrestrial hatches abound in these waters and keep the fish hungry and active. Fall is marked with one of the largest October caddis hatches in the western states.
 As you draw further south you find yourself in rainbow, steelhead and salmon country. Flowing through the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Area in North Central Idaho, the Middle Fork of the Clearwater River is one of the original eight rivers protected by Congress through the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act of 1968. Fly fishing these crystal clear waters in the fall will have you chasing hoards of trophy sized steelhead. Both the size and aggressive tendencies of the fish in the Clearwater have made it one of the most popular steelhead destinations in the country. Large stimulator patterns, streamers and nymphs are all effective flies for these large trout. Our own River Dance Lodge makes for the perfect base for fishermen looking for comfort and great food after a day on the water.
Running through the deepest river gorge in North America, the Snake River in Idaho offers some of the most stunning scenery in the American West. Rainbow trout in the Snake are large fish that feed heavily on both the surface and sub-surface and they often grow up to 22”. Small mouth bass in the Snake are aggressive feeders and love the sight of a bright streamer or active plastic jig getting run in front of them. Sturgeon, the grand daddy of all American fish, often grow to lengths of 8’ or more in this famous river. The chance of hooking up with one of these bottom dwelling monsters brings fishermen from around the country to Hell’s Canyon. Later in the year, typically October through March, the Steelhead run heavily through the waters of the Snake. Fly-fishing and pulling plugs are both popular techniques for attracting these beautiful and highly sought after fish.
North-Central Idaho is also home to numerous high alpine lakes that give anglers a chance to enjoy a relaxing and scenic hike before having the opportunity to catch their fill of rainbow, cutthroat and brook trout. The Selway River has proven to be one of the most sought after fishing destinations for remote fly fishing enthusiasts. Fly fisherman recognize the Selway for its protected scenic waters and excellent trout fishing. This river holds many fish in the 16” to 20” range. Fish in this river, like the Clearwater, are aggressive and hungry for most of the year. It is a truly scenic experience that allows people to enjoy top-quality fishing while relaxing in some of the most beautiful country in the United States.
Southern Idaho creates a different sort of fly fishing experience. The mountains are not as grand in places, but there are a few select streams and rivers that rank among the state’s best. The Henry’s Fork, a tributary of the Snake River, offers rainbow trout fishing. Silver Creek, a favorite haunt of Ernest Hemingway, produces trophy sized brown trout with regularity. The Bruneau and Jarbidge rivers in the southwestern corner of Idaho are among the most spectacular desert rivers in the United States. Due to their very remote location, many of the rainbow trout and Bull Trout that inhabit these systems grow fast and become trophy sized fish.
Idaho lays claim to many lowland lakes and estuaries where fly fishermen get a shot at targeting different warm water species. Northern pike, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass and crappie can be easily coaxed with the right fly presentation. Some of the more well known lakes include Coeur d’Alene, Pend O’Reille and Cascade.
With the huge number of fish species present and the varied terrain in which to pursue them, Idaho can offer any fly fishermen of any skill level the experience of a lifetime. For those looking for guided fishing trips, no other outfitter offers trips on as many of Idaho’s rivers as does ROW Adventures. We invite you to join us this year!
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Idaho Fly Fishing 
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