No. Idaho Pre-runoff Timing?

ThomasM

ThomasM

corvus ossifragus
I love bushwhacking around the No. Idaho panhandle in search of Westslopes in smaller water. I've been there a bunch in early/mid summer either at the tail-end of runoff or after but given my home water is closed this April, I thought I might try for a pre-runoff trip between steelhead and springers this year.

Not looking for spot info as I know where I want to go. Is later April generally doable? I'm probably more concerned about snow covered rods and getting stuck miles and miles from cell phone range than water levels.

Many of you will probably recognize the spot in the photo below. I'm wondering how close I could get in April to this spot or other similar spots.

TIA!

15.05.02.03
 
its different every single year. but late march is usually the best time. take snowshoes (for access). if there is good water clarity the fishing can be good. id focus on the lower reaches pre runoff.
 
Thomas Mitchell said:
I love bushwhacking around the No. Idaho panhandle in search of Westslopes in smaller water. I've been there a bunch in early/mid summer either at the tail-end of runoff or after but given my home water is closed this April, I thought I might try for a pre-runoff trip between steelhead and springers this year.

Not looking for spot info as I know where I want to go. Is later April generally doable? I'm probably more concerned about snow covered rods and getting stuck miles and miles from cell phone range than water levels.

Many of you will probably recognize the spot in the photo below. I'm wondering how close I could get in April to this spot or other similar spots.

TIA!

15.05.02
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Late March is your best bet. April can be good or blown same with May. I would watch the weather and the river forecasts ahead of time. If you want to go up high wait till May or June
 
TYTLINZ said:
Late March is your best bet. April can be good or blown same with May. I would watch the weather and the river forecasts ahead of time. If you want to go up high wait till May or June
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Thx all. My favorite spots are all 45 - 60miles upstream so looks like I'll need to fish lower.

May-June is no go. I'm after spring chinook every free moment in that time period.
 
Idaho breakup varies s lot by elevation. You can get a good look at timing by looking at average daily runoff history on the usgs stream gage pages for your target drainage. Have fun!
 
@Thomas Mitchell You can catch fish every month of the season on your favorite river. Snow shoes are a good idea after breaking through crusty 2'of snow. Fish low and really slow, they are there. Concentrate on heads of holes that transition from medium depth to deep. Long, slow, deep runs will produce. As we get into March, dont be afraid of throwing some surface pattern as water gets closer to 40deg, below 38deg, fish on bottom with nymphs. When late april/early May roles along, runoff will go into effect, wrap those k15's and go south
 
Had no idea that all of northern Idaho is basically a giant superfund site until I camped in Wallace last week. Saw lots of pretty water, but decided against going near any of it.
 
DoesItFloat said:
Had no idea that all of northern Idaho is basically a giant superfund site until I camped in Wallace last week. Saw lots of pretty water, but decided against going near any of it.
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I’m curious about the “giant superfund site” reference. Real or sarcasm?
 
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