Northwest Fishing Reports

Folks, we are driving to the Olympic Peninsula in June/July 2009 and plan to go through South/North Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho and then Washington. It will be a vacation drive with stops where and when we choose. Since we will be driving through some of the best and most beautiful fishing spots in the country, I want to fish during this vacation to Washington. Does anyone know of spots that would be worth seeking out? I have no experience with this area of our country and am in need of opinions, suggestions and things to consider. I am primarily a spinning fisherman and have no expertiose in flyfishing, although I will not rule out trying it. Thanks.

Bozeman Mt is the confluence of 5 Blue Ribbon trout fisheries. Definitely worth a stop.

E

Thanks. I will put a note on my route map. I hear Bozeman is a beautiful place.

The Yellowstone and the Madison are well worth your time if you fly fish.

Clark Fork and Yakima!! Hit it up!!!!!!!!!!!!

Folks, Merry Christmas to all! My research into fishing these regions seems to indicate I have to get a bit of expertise in flyfishing. Can a "spinner" get that done?

Happy Holidays to you.... There is no reason that you can't throw on a clear bobber and 4-5 ft of leader and a fly on your spinning rod.....When using a nymph or streamer, use a bobber that you can fill with water or go to a local fly shop and get some tiny split shot. They come in an assorted sizes in a box.They are much smaller than normal splitshot you may have used. Use them about a foot up from the fly or even right next to the fly to get the fly down in the water column to the depth you want. Don't go out and buy a bunch of flies. Just go to the Orvis site..... http://www.orvis.com/store/productchoic ... dir_id=758 and purchase this $9.95 assortment of 20 flies.... They will get you started and then as you travel along your route you can ask others about the lure or fly to use. Remember to get some worms along the way.... Fish love-em and they will always work as a last resort in streams and lakes. If you decide to get some fly fishing gear later you can always look for the best prices for a 4-5 wt rod (trout size) on eBay. Hope this helps on your plans for a fun trip. :rendeer: Good Luck, Steve

I have done a good bit of research on our trip and fishing during our travels. It seems the expense of hiring a guide for a float fishing day is more than I want to spend. I see nothing less than $450 $500 for a day for two people. Since my second person is my wife, there is no one to split the cost with. I will likely do my fishing from land and possibly renting a boat at some of the lakes. I appreciate the info sent by forum folks. If anyone has opinions of fishing from shore/riverbanks and renting boats, I would welcome it. Thanks again.

This is one of the best sites I have run across for Montana.

http://www.bigskyfishing.com/

Idaho has a good site also:

http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/

The have good information on fishing. Find an area that interests you, then you can google the area or town and get more information on businesses, attractions and lodging.

Planning a trip now days is much easier than it was in the past. A couple of years ago, I planned a weekend fishing trip for myself while on a trip to New Zealand. I found out all the information on rivers, accesses, lodging and car rental. I made all the reservations and car rentals from my computer in my office.
You can plan a great trip right on your keyboard. It just takes a little research. Hope you have a great trip.

Libby Montana has some excellent shore fishing opportunities on the famous Kootenai River (excuse my spelling) for some HUGE trout. At least it did when I lived there 20 years ago.