Coeur d'Alene River Half Day Walk & Wade

The Coeur d'Alene River flows some 76 miles from the Coeur d'Alene Mountains which are the most northwestern portion of the Bitterroot Range of the Rocky Mountains.  The North Fork joins the South Fork, and the main Coeur d'Alene River then continues its journey through the Chain Lakes and ends upon entry into Lake Coeur d'Alene.  The river is a productive fishery for native westslope cutthroat trout which depend on cold, clear waters.  In addition, there are rainbow trout, mountain whitefish, and a few other species. 

The river boasts a variety of fishing spots including runs, pools, and riffles. Each season the Coeur d'Alene boasts a variety of different hatches. Fishermen can expect to see prolific Mayfly 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. 

ROW Adventures provides all the 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, light weight, 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
• Light weight, 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 e-mail ac@rowadventures.com.