Meeting Point
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho7:30 am PT
Duration
Full DayMeals
Lunch IncludedMinimum Age
12Coeur d'Alene River Full-Day Walk & Wade
Guided Fly Fishing Tour of the North Fork of the Coeur d'Alene River
The ROW Adventure Center is proud to offer guests the opportunity to wade on the upper reaches of the North Fork of the Coeur d'Alene River.
The river flows from the Silver Valley into Lake Coeur d'Alene and is home to abundant populations of native cutthroat trout. The river is suitable for any skill level and many different fly fishing techniques can be used on this river. The varied terrain creates a range of water categories including riffles, runs, and deep-emerald pools. Each season the Coeur d'Alene boasts a variety of different hatches. Fishermen can expect to see prolific May Fly and Golden Stone hatches in May and June. Parachute Adams and different terrestrial patterns mark the summer months. The waters of North Idaho during the fall months of September and October are famous for their October Caddis hatches. In addition to excellent fishing, the Coeur d’Alene River offers spectacular wildlife viewing in an ideal mountain wilderness setting.
Rates
Walk and Wade Trips- Available from March to late October
*Includes fishing equipment, boots & waders, and lunch on the river
*Does not include taxes, fees, and optional guide gratuity (20% is recommended for satisfied guests).
*Price plus a 6% Land & Water Access and Use fee
Please note: You will need to provide your own Idaho Fishing License. They can be purchased online at the Idaho Fish and Game website.
Itinerary
Meet between 7-9 am PT, depending on river conditions, at the river in Kingston, Idaho at the 76 Gas Station about 45-50 mins from Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.
Your guide will determine your exact meeting time. Our guides try to put you on the river at the most productive times of the day. Your guide will contact you a few days prior to your trip.
Trip Details
ROW Adventures provides all necessary gear for the trip. If you have your own gear and would like to bring it just let us know. Your guide will meet you at the river!
Fishing licenses are not included and can be purchased online at the Idaho Fish and Game website.
All fishing is catch and release.
Gear List
Breathable waders are always a good idea, even if you just carry them along year round for poor weather. If you do not have waders ROW will provide a pair for you. You should layer your clothing so you can add or remove layers as the weather changes. Depending on the time of year you join us, we recommend a windstopper or soft shell fleece and a good rain jacket. These items are particularly important for early and late-season trips.
By mid-July you can usually wet wade in a pair of wading boots, sandals with a heel strap, or water shoes and some light, quick-dry shorts or pants. Short or long-sleeved, lightweight, quick-drying, non-cotton shirts are also suggested. Once again, it is a good idea to bring along warmer clothes and rain gear. We highly recommend that you bring along a quality pair of polarized sunglasses and a brimmed hat. These items will help you see things more clearly and protect you from any wildly cast flies that might come near your head. Sunscreen is a must, especially in July and August.
The most common fly rod weights used are four, five, and six in a nine-foot length, paired with a quality, machined, disk drag reel. Your reel should be matched with the same weight line as your rod, with a weight forward or double-tapered floating line. A 4X 9-foot tapered trout leader is ideal for Idaho rivers and fishing conditions. Tippet material in 3X-5X is perfect for varying situations. Floatant, nippers, accessory equipment, and fly boxes are also highly recommended.
If you don’t have your own gear, ROW will provide the necessities for an enjoyable day on the water. If you have your own gear, though, here’s what we recommend bringing:
- Breathable waders/boots
- Sandals or water shoes with heel strap
- Fleece jacket/pants
- Rain jacket
- Water Bottle
- Lightweight, quick-drying pants/shirt (preferably non-cotton material)
- Polarized sunglasses
- Brimmed hat
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm with sunscreen
- All necessary medications (if you have bee allergies please bring your epi-pen)
- 4, 5, or, 6 weight rod/reel with matching weight floating line
- New 4X, 9-foot tapered trout leader
- 3X-5X tippet material
- Nippers/hemostats
- Camera
These recommended items can make or break a day on the water. Your comfort and enjoyment are our primary concerns, so please pack for your trip accordingly. If you have any questions or specific concerns please email ac@rowadventures.com.
Meeting Location
Our trips meet at the river in Kingston, Idaho at the 76 Gas Station - which is approximately 45-50 minutes East of downtown Coeur d'Alene. Your guide will contact you a few days prior to your trip to confirm the exact meeting place and time.
FAQ's
Do I need a fishing license?
You will need to provide your own Idaho Fishing License. They can be purchased online at the Idaho Fish and Game website.
Where does the full day walk and wade trip begin and end?
Our trips meet at the river- which is approximately 30-40 minutes East of downtown Coeur d'Alene. Your guide will contact you a few days prior to your trip to confirm the exact meeting place and time.
What kind of flies do you recommend?
Each season the Coeur d'Alene boasts a variety of different hatches. Fishermen can expect to see prolific May Fly hatches, including mahogany duns, yellow quills, blue-winged olives, western green drakes, and others. There are stonefly hatches too, with little yellow stoneflies, winter stoneflies, Skwala and golden stoneflies. Caddisflies are also common, especially in the early fall, and we see short-horned sedges, spotted sedges, and little black caddis. We fish with both dry flies and nymphs. Summer months are a great time for terrestrial imitations like Japanese beetles, grasshoppers, and carpenter ants.
What kind of wildlife might we see?
The Coeur d'Alene River and wilderness area has no shortages of wildlife. Moose, deer, elk, bald eagles, osprey, and bears frequent the river and its banks.
What kind of fish are found in the North Fork of the Coeur d'Alene River?
Idaho Department of Fish and Game suggests Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii) and Mountain Whitefish (Prosopium williamsoni) as the recommended game fish in the North Fork of the Coeur d'Alene.
As well, the following species have been observed in surveys from 2003 - 2020:
- Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis observed in 2004
- Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha observed in 2004
- Cutthroat Trout Oncorhynchus clarkii observed in 2004
- Dace Rhinichthys observed in 2004
- Kokanee Oncorhynchus nerka observed in 2003
- Largescale Sucker Catostomus macrocheilus observed in 2011
- Mountain Whitefish Prosopium williamsoni observed in 2011
- Northern Pikeminnow Ptychocheilus oregonensis observed in 2010
- Pacific Salmon Oncorhynchus observed in 2004
- Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss observed in 2011
- Redside Shiner Richardsonius balteatus observed in 2004
- Steelhead (Snake River Basin DPS) Oncorhynchus mykiss pop. 13 observed in 2004
- Westslope Cutthroat Trout, Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi observed in 2011
How can I check real time flow data for the river?
The USGS provides real-time flow data on the North Fork of the Coeur d'Alene on their website. You can find more information HERE.
How long is the North Fork of the Coeur d'Alene River?
North Fork Coeur d'Alene River (Coeur d'Alene River) in Shoshone County is 76.9 miles in length.
Do I need my own Rod, flies, boots and waders?
ROW Adventures provides all necessary gear for the trip. If you have your own gear and would like to bring it just let us know. Your guide will meet you at the river with everything you need to have a great day!
Can I keep the fish I catch?
All fishing is catch and release. We will help you get some great photos with anything you catch!
Do you provide lunch on the full day trip?
Yes, we do provide lunch as well as a selection of snacks and beverages for your convenience.
Gallery
Reviews 2
Overall Rating
Fly fishing
North Fork about 25 miles up
Very low water and crystal clear
My guide Mike worked exceptionally hard to get us into fish
Caught a few Cuts on dries
Fabulous walk and wake day