Alan Liere's hunting and fishing report for July 30, 2026

Fishing conditions across Idaho, Washington, and nearby waters remain mixed as flows stay low and hatches are limited, but early anglers are still catching trout. On the North Fork Coeur d’Alene River, Silver Bow Fly Shop says water is limited in the upper drainage, so effort is best around the Prichard Devil’s Elbow area. Hoppers are out, with ants and beetles effective via smaller fly patterns. The Saint Joe is also low, though fishing can be decent below Avery, with cooler, more active fish found by moving upriver later. On the Spokane River, mornings and the last hour of light are most worthwhile; dry-dropper rigs and soft hackles for caddis near dusk are suggested. Kokanee at Lake Koocanusa is reported good for 7- to 11-inch fish, with a 50 limit.