I had the privilege of fishing the upper reaches of the Coeur d'Alene River, ID this past Saturday. Although the catching wasn't quite as productive as other days I've experienced there, the weather was beautiful and the scenery is incredible. The water seems to be unseasonably low, which may account for the scarcity of big fish right now. I fished from 10 am to 6 pm, and although no defined hatches occurred during that time frame, the fish are pretty well imprinted regarding certain bugs, and the fish rose readily to dry flies. The 4 flies I used during the day, a #8 yellow Stimulator, a #12 yellow Stimulator, a #14 elk hair caddis, and a #14 Lafontaine Emerging Sparkle Pupa, were all effective at different times. All the fish caught were native westslope cutthroat. Numerous, and I'm talking a lot, mini cutthroat rose to the flies during the day, but I was successful in catching a couple of finely shaped 15" specimens, a few 13-14" fish, and a smattering of 10" +/-. Great fun on a 4 weight! I've been fishing there annually over the past 10 years, and it's amazing the changes I've seen in just that short time. In a nutshell, it's getting loved to death. Some of the larger landowners along the river have parcelled out their land (most of it riverfront) into little recreation lots. Now, when driving along the road paralleling the river, the fisherman is treated to an ever-increasing hatch of myriad recreational vehicles and travel trailers. It makes me sad; this stunningly beautiful area and river, once it's developed haphazardly as it appears is occurring, will never be the same. Waaaahhhhhhh! (Go ahead Hamilton and Coleman, I'm ready for your razzing!). Enough already! Great place, classic water, good fishing (though better other times of the year). Richard E.
