Lochsa River - Lowell - Idaho
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Lochsa River – Lowell - Water Flow Chart
Lochsa River – Lowell - Weather report & radar
Lochsa River – Lowell - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | No significant hatches | Daytime | 8-12 | Nymphs and Streamers |
| February | No significant hatches | Daytime | 8-12 | Nymphs and Streamers |
| March | Midges | Afternoon | 20-22 | Griffith’s Gnat |
| April | Midges | Afternoon | 20-22 | Griffith’s Gnat |
| Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 16-20 | Pheasant Tail Nymph | |
| May | Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 16-20 | Pheasant Tail Nymph |
| Salmonflies | All day | 2-6 | Rogue Foam Stonefly Nymph | |
| Golden Stoneflies | All day | 4-8 | Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear | |
| June | Green Drakes | All day | 8-12 | Green Drake Cripple |
| July | Caddis | Evening | 14-16 | Elk Hair Caddis |
| Grasshoppers | Afternoon | 6-10 | Dave’s Hopper | |
| August | Grasshoppers | Afternoon | 6-10 | Dave’s Hopper |
| September | Fall Caddis | Evening | 14-16 | Elk Hair Caddis |
| October | Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 16-20 | Pheasant Tail Nymph |
| Midges | Late morning to afternoon | 20-22 | Griffith’s Gnat | |
| November | Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 16-20 | Pheasant Tail Nymph |
| No significant hatches | Daytime | 8-12 | Prince Nymph | |
| December | No significant hatches | Daytime | 8-12 | Prince Nymph |
Lochsa River – Lowell Access Points
The Lochsa River – Lowell offers various entry points for fly fishing. Here are the recommended ones:
- Canyon Work Center Area: This is a popular spot due to easy accessibility and known for the trout activity.
- Wilderness Gateway Bridge: Provides ample space for fishing. Also, a campsite is available nearby for overnight stays.
- Fish Creek: Accessible from Highway 12, offers excellent opportunities for catching Westslope Cutthroat trout.
- Hungery Creek: Another great spot that can be accessed from Highway 12. You will find abundant pools and runs here.
- Lowell Bridge: Located at the confluence of Selway and Lochsa River, it gives you a superb fishing experience.
Note: While fly fishing is allowed throughout the year, the best time to visit these spots is during spring and early summer when the fish are most active.
Lochsa River – Lowell Fishing Spots
- Wilderness Gateway Bridge: A great spot, endowed with cutthroat trout making it a favorite amongst anglers.
- Fish Creek: Not to be missed for a diversified fly fishing experience, with an abundance of steelhead.
- Wilderness Gateway Campground: An excellent spot to fly fish, it is home to a range of fish species.
- Meadow Creek: Located nearby this spot boasts clear waters teeming with fish.
- White Sand Creek: A popular spot for catching both steelhead and salmon.
Lochsa River – Lowell Local Fish Species
- Cutthroat Trout: This type of fish is most preferred by anglers fishing in Lochsa River – Lowell.
- Rainbow Trout: Its attractive colors make it a favorite for sport fishing.
- Bull Trout: This fish is known for its elusive nature and is much sought after by fly fishers.
- Brook Trout: Brook trout are also highly targeted due to their relatively abundant population.
- Mountain Whitefish: Mountain Whitefish are common in the Lochsa River and are often targeted by fly fishers.
- Northern Pike: Northern Pike is another popular species for fly fishing due to its aggressive nature and size.
- Westslope Cutthroat Trout: The Lochsa River – Lowell is known for its population of Westslope Cutthroat Trout.
- Brown Trout: Although not as common, Brown Trout are also targeted by some experienced fly fishermen.
About the Lochsa River – Lowell
The Lochsa River, a hidden gem nestled in Northern Idaho, has a fascinating history to its credit. Known as the ‘rough water’ in the Nez Perce language, the river beckons for its sheer wilderness beauty.
It originates from the Bitterroot Range and flows more than 70 miles to join the Selway River at Lowell, forming the Middle Fork of the Clearwater River. The river holds significance in the Lewis and Clark Expedition, playing a tough trail for the explorers.
- They spent three arduous weeks in 1805 navigating the Lolo Trail along the Lochsa, facing untold hardship.
- Today, the Lochsa River – Lowell is renowned as one of the best spots for whitewater rafting!
Offering a combination of exciting whitewater and camping spots, it’s a delight for adventure enthusiasts and history buffs alike. The river’s turbulent waters and its rich, enticing history make it a must-visit wilderness destination.
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