Cabinet Gorge Dam Tailwateron Clark Fork River
Conditions right now
No USGS gauge is linked to this water yet, so we can't chart flows.
Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) hatches are winding down
- 01Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) hatches are winding down, providing selective dry fly opportunities on overcast days.
- 02Midge activity is a consistent and primary food source as water temperatures cool.
- 03Aggressive predatory fish, including Bull Trout and larger Brown Trout, are actively feeding on baitfish and leeches.
- 04Egg patterns are effective for opportunistic trout feeding below spawning areas.
- 05Focus efforts on deeper pools, slower runs, and eddy lines where fish conserve energy and find subsurface food.
What to tie on at Cabinet Gorge Dam Tailwater
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
Trico Spinner
Tricos are actively hatching in the mornings, making this pattern essential for targeting rising fish in slower water.
Buy at AmazonPMD Cripple
PMD cripples are actively emerging in late morning and early afternoon, and fish are keying in on these vulnerable insects.
Rusty Spinner
Rusty spinners are present in the evenings after mayfly hatches, attracting trout looking for an easy meal.
Buy at AmazonKeller's Heneberry Hopper-Tan
Terrestrial activity, especially with grasshoppers, is picking up along the banks, making this an effective attractor for opportunistic feeders.
Gould's Drowned Spinner
Spinners, especially mayfly spinners, can be highly effective when fished 'drowned' or subsurface, imitating insects trapped in the film.
Glo Bug (Orange)
Resident trout and char remain keyed into egg patterns year-round, particularly with the upcoming spring rainbow spawn, making this an effective attractor.
Tungsten Bead Pat's Rubber Legs
Large stonefly nymphs are a year-round food source, and this weighted pattern is excellent for getting down to deeper holding lies for all trout species, especially Bull Trout.
Buy at AmazonWoolly Bugger (Black/Olive)
An essential streamer for enticing aggressive strikes from trout, imitating leeches and baitfish active in colder spring water. Effective for all target species.
Woolly Bugger (Olive)
A versatile streamer pattern that imitates leeches and baitfish, effective year-round for aggressive trout, including Bull Trout.
Idaho season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Fly shops nearby
Local flies, current advice and guided trips.