4/6/25 Fishing Report by Tyson Roberts from Teeming Streams
www.teemingstreams.com
Trout fishing in Eastern Washington and North Idaho is ramping up as spring brings warmer
temperatures and early insect hatches. Rivers like the Yakima, and Methow are beginning to
fish well, with hatches of Skwala Stoneflies, Blue-Winged Olives, and March Browns taking
center stage. On the Yakima, flows are dropping (around 2,650 cfs), improving clarity and
making for productive days using Skwala dries and stonefly nymphs. The Methow is fishing best
in deep pools where trout are concentrated in cooler water. The Spokane River is closed to
anglers until May 24th to protect spawning redband trout.
In North Idaho, rivers like the Coeur d'Alene and St. Joe are seeing good Skwala and BWO
activity, though flows remain high from snowmelt. Cutthroat trout are active in slower side
channels, and dry-dropper rigs or stonefly nymphs are effective choices. Lakes like Lenice and
Rock Lake in Eastern Washington are also producing well, with chironomid hatches becoming
consistent and streamer fishing taking off. Overall, anglers can expect improving conditions and
increasing action as April progresses—especially during sunny afternoons when insect activity
peaks.
Eastern Washington
Yakima River
● Target Species: Rainbow Trout
● Current Flow: ~2,650 cfs at Umtanum
● Insect Hatch: Skwala Stoneflies, Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs), March Browns
● Fly Patterns:
○ Dry: Skwala Stimulator (#10-12), Parachute Adams (#14-18)
○ Nymphs: Pat’s Rubber Legs (#8-10), Pheasant Tail (#14-16)
● Conditions: Dropping flows and improving clarity (~24" visibility). Fishing has been best
midday as water warms. Stonefly activity is good near riffles.
Spokane River – Closed until May 24th to protect spawning redband trout
Methow River
● Target Species: Rainbow & Cutthroat Trout
● Current Flow: ~550–650 cfs near Twisp (seasonal average)
● Insect Hatch: March Browns, BWOs
● Fly Patterns:
○ Dry: March Brown Cripple (#12-14), CDC BWO Emerger
○ Nymphs: Hare’s Ear (#12-14), Prince Nymph
● Conditions: Lower flows concentrate fish in deeper pools. Still chilly, but expect
increasing insect activity on sunny days.
Rock Lake (Whitman County)
● Target Species: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout
● Conditions: Productive trolling lake. Target the upper 15 feet with streamer patterns like
olive buggers, or troll with Rapalas and wedding rings.
Lenice Lake (Columbia Basin)
● Target Species: Rainbow Trout
● Insect Hatch: Chironomids, Callibaetis (coming soon)
● Fly Patterns:
○ Chironomid Pupa (#16-20) under indicators
○ Leeches & Buggers on sinking lines
● Conditions: Fishing well on calm mornings. Stillwater specialists are doing well near
weedbeds and drop-offs.
North Idaho
Coeur d’Alene River
● Target Species: Cutthroat Trout
● Current Flow: ~1,100–1,400 cfs (high but fishable)
● Insect Hatch: Skwala Stoneflies, BWOs
● Fly Patterns:
○ Dry: Skwala Stimulator (#10), BWO Comparadun
○ Nymphs: Pat’s Rubber Legs, Lightning Bug (#14-16)
● Conditions: Wading is difficult in some areas due to snowmelt. Fishing is good in slower
side channels. Skwala hatch is in full swing during warm afternoons.
St. Joe River
● Target Species: Westslope Cutthroat Trout
● Current Flow: ~1,800–2,200 cfs
● Insect Hatch: BWOs, Midges, early March Browns
● Fly Patterns:
○ Dry: CDC BWO Dun (#16), March Brown Comparadun
○ Nymphs: Copper John, Pheasant Tail, Midge Larva
● Conditions: Water is chilly and high; fish are in deep runs and along inside bends. Use
weighted nymph rigs or streamers during low-light periods.
Priest Lake (Upper Tributaries)
● Target Species: Cutthroat Trout (lake & stream access)
● Insect Hatch: Minimal—still cold
● Fly Patterns: Streamers, Leeches, Chironomids in lake; Stonefly nymphs in tribs
● Conditions: Still slow due to snowmelt and low temperatures, but lakes are starting to
wake up. Better for gear fishing right now.
Fishing Tips for April
Midday warmth triggers hatches and increases trout activity. Use nymph rigs in mornings, dry-
dropper or dry fly in the afternoon. Watch for warming trends and stable flows—these are the
best fishing windows. Wear wading belts, use a wading staff, and avoid aggressive
crossings—flows are still high in many rivers. Stay safe and keep those lines tight!
