What the Spokane River offers anglers coming from Coeur d'Alene

The Spokane River runs 111 miles from the outlet of Coeur d'Alene Lake to the Columbia River near the Washington-Idaho border. If you've fished the lake itself, the river gives you a different kind of water: faster current, shallower flats, and a mix of resident rainbow and cutthroat trout alongside kokanee salmon and walleye. The upper river—from the lake down to Spokane Falls—holds the most consistent trout fishing and is where most anglers spend their time.

The character changes as you move downstream. The upper section is pocket water and riffles, good for wade fishing and small boats. By the time you reach Spokane proper, the river widens into slower pools and runs that favor drift boats and bank access. The lower river, below Spokane, becomes more of a walleye and bass fishery, with some steelhead in winter and spring depending on the year.

Key Takeaways

  • The upper Spokane River from Coeur d'Alene Lake to Spokane Falls holds resident rainbow and cutthroat trout year-round and is the most accessible section for wade fishing.
  • Spring and early summer bring kokanee salmon runs into the upper river, creating a distinct seasonal fishery separate from trout.
  • Access points are scattered; the best public parking and boat launches are at Nine Mile Recreation Area, Holmberg Park, and several pullouts along Highway 395.
  • Regulations vary by section—check current rules for the reach you plan to fish, as some areas have special restrictions on bait, barbless hooks, or catch limits.
  • The river runs cold and fast in spring from snowmelt; summer and fall offer the most stable water conditions and easier wading.

Upper river trout water from the lake to Spokane Falls

This 30-mile stretch is the heart of Spokane River trout fishing. The current is steady but not overwhelming, and the bottom is a mix of gravel, cobble, and sand that holds insects and gives trout room to feed. Rainbow trout dominate, but you'll find cutthroat as well, especially in the first few miles below the lake outlet. Fish run 10 to 14 inches on average, with occasional fish pushing 16 or 17 inches.

Nymphing is the most productive method here. Pheasant Tail, Hare's Ear, and small stonefly patterns work year-round. In summer, dry fly fishing picks up in the evening and early morning, particularly with small caddis and mayfly patterns. The river is wide enough that you can cover water from the bank, but a small drift boat or raft lets you fish more water and reach deeper runs. Wade fishing is best in summer and fall when water levels drop; spring runoff can make wading dangerous.

The Nine Mile Recreation Area, about 10 miles downstream from the lake, is the most popular access point. It has parking, a boat launch, and a developed picnic area. From there, you can wade upstream and downstream or float to Holmberg Park, a 5-mile drift that takes about two hours. Several pullouts along Highway 395 offer informal access if you're willing to walk.

Kokanee salmon runs in spring and early summer

Kokanee move into the Spokane River from Coeur d'Alene Lake starting in April and running through June, depending on water temperature and flow. These are smaller salmon—most run 12 to 16 inches—but they're aggressive and fight hard. They're also different to fish than trout: they're not feeding in the traditional sense but will strike small spoons, spinners, and even nymphs out of territorial aggression.

Small silver or chartreuse spoons cast upstream and retrieved with a steady, moderate pace work well. Some anglers use small spinners or even tie kokanee-specific flies. The fish hold in deeper runs and pools, not in the shallow pocket water where trout live. If you're fishing nymphs for trout and suddenly get aggressive strikes from fish that feel heavier and fight differently, you've likely found kokanee.

The kokanee run is short and weather-dependent. High water or cold temperatures can delay it or compress it into a few weeks. Check with local fly shops or the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website for current conditions before making the trip specifically for kokanee.

Seasonal patterns and water conditions

Spring (March through May) brings snowmelt from the mountains. Water levels rise, current increases, and the river turns slightly cloudy. Fishing is possible but harder; nymphs work better than dries, and you need heavier flies to get down. The kokanee run happens during this period, so if you're targeting salmon, this is your window.

Summer (June through August) is the most stable season. Water clears, levels drop to fishable heights, and both nymph and dry fly fishing work. Evenings are particularly good, with caddis hatches and rising trout. Water temperature stays cool enough for trout to be active all day, though early morning and late evening are still most productive.

Fall (September through October) offers excellent fishing. Water is clear, temperatures are cool, and trout are feeding actively in preparation for winter. Dry fly fishing can be outstanding. By November, water levels begin to rise again as fall rains arrive, and the river becomes harder to fish.

Winter (November through February) is slow. Water is cold and high, and trout are less active. Some steelhead move into the lower river during this period, but the upper section is primarily a spring and summer fishery.

Regulations and what you need to know before you go

The Spokane River is split between Washington and Idaho, and regulations differ by section. The upper river from Coeur d'Alene Lake to the Spokane city limits is primarily under Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife rules. You need a Washington fishing license if you're fishing in Washington waters.

Check the current regulations for the specific reach you plan to fish. Some sections require barbless hooks, some have catch-and-release-only rules for certain species, and some allow bait while others do not. The regulations can change year to year, so don't rely on what worked last season. The WDFW website has detailed rules by river section, or call the Spokane office directly.

Parking and access are not may provide everywhere. Respect private property, use established access points, and ask permission if you're unsure. The river corridor includes both public land and private holdings, and access can be lost if anglers trespass or leave gates open.

Drift boats, rafts, and when to float versus wade

The upper Spokane is floatable for most of the year, but the decision to float or wade depends on water level, your skill, and what you're targeting. In spring, high water makes wading dangerous and floating the better choice. In summer and fall, wading is often more productive because you can cover specific runs carefully and fish dries effectively.

If you float, the Nine Mile to Holmberg drift is the standard run. It's about 5 miles and takes two to three hours depending on water level. The current is steady but not technical; there are no major rapids or obstacles. You can fish from the boat or pull over to wade specific runs. Rental boats are available in Spokane, though you'll need to arrange shuttle service or have two vehicles.

Wading is best from June through October. The river is wadeable in most places, though some runs are deep and require careful footing. Felt-soled waders or sticky rubber soles help with traction on the slippery rocks. The water is cold year-round—even in summer it rarely exceeds 60 degrees—so neoprene waders are worth the investment.

Lower river walleye and bass water below Spokane

Below Spokane Falls, the river changes character. It widens, slows, and becomes more of a walleye and smallmouth bass fishery. This section is less popular with fly anglers but offers good opportunities if you're willing to adjust your approach. Walleye fishing is best at dawn and dusk, using live bait or jigging. Smallmouth bass respond to topwater and subsurface lures, particularly in summer.

The lower river also receives steelhead in winter and spring, though runs vary by year. These are anadromous fish moving upstream from the Columbia River. Steelhead fishing requires different techniques—spey casting, swinging flies, or using drift rigs with bait—and is a specialized pursuit. Check current conditions and regulations before targeting steelhead, as seasons and restrictions change.

Access to the lower river is more limited than the upper section. Holmberg Park and several pullouts near Spokane offer bank access. Boat launches exist, but you'll need a larger boat for this slower, wider water. Local fly shops in Spokane can point you to current access points and conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish the Spokane River?

No. The upper river has good wade fishing from June through October, and you can cover productive water from the bank at most access points. A boat lets you cover more water and reach deeper runs, but it's not required. Spring and early summer are harder to wade due to high water and cold temperatures.

What's the best time of year to fish the Spokane River?

Summer and fall (June through October) offer the most stable water conditions and consistent fishing. Spring brings kokanee salmon if that's your target, but water levels are high and wading is difficult. Winter is slow and cold.

Can I use bait on the Spokane River?

It depends on the section. Some reaches allow bait; others are fly-only or have restrictions on what bait you can use. Check the current WDFW regulations for the specific area you plan to fish before you go.

How far is the Spokane River from Coeur d'Alene?

The river outlet is at the north end of Coeur d'Alene Lake, about 30 minutes from downtown Coeur d'Alene. The Nine Mile Recreation Area, the main access point, is roughly 45 minutes to an hour from the city.

Are there guided trips available on the Spokane River?

Yes. Several fly shops and guide services in Spokane and Coeur d'Alene offer guided floats and wade trips. Guides can show you current conditions, productive water, and local techniques. Call ahead to book, especially during peak season in summer.