The Upper Columbia River
The Upper Columbia River is jaw dropping not just for its sheer size and power but for its natural beauty and wildlife. Add in an average fish size of 19 to 20 in. and it's difficult not to have an exceptional day. These hard fighting Redband rainbows can be taken by most fly fishing tactics depending on the day and time of year. One day it’s fish on the surface, and the next is deep water nymphing with indicators. Swing tactics are often especially effective. Because of the sheer size of the river, a boat is necessary to effectively fish all the water.
The Priest River
Of all the attributes possessed by Westslope Cutthroat, the beauty of the environments they typically inhabit is certainly one of their best. The Priest River is no exception this rule. In fact it’s often difficult to determine which the greater attraction when floating the Priest; the quality of the fish or the landscape itself.
The lower Priest River begins its journey at Outlet Dam on Priest Lake. For the next 40 miles it will tumble down class 3 whitewater canyons, meander through expanses of National Forest and wind a sinuous course through ranch lands before its confluence with the Pend Oreille River.
Although Westslope Cutthroat and Mountain Whitefish are the dominant salmonids, there is a healthy population of resident Browns, some Rainbows and during certain season migratory Bull Trout. These populations are supported by exceptional macro invertebrate life. It is not uncommon to see Stone, Caddis and Mayflies all hatching at once. The result is that just about any discipline of fly fishing is effective at some point of the year.
The Kettle River
A classic freestone, the Kettle River has all the qualities you could ask for in a stream: pools, runs, riffles, not to mention some great hatches. You can find pods of fish feeding exclusively on tricos or PMD's, however, due to the lack of pressure, the Kettle's rainbows are quite aggressive and do not shy away from larger foamy surface presentations. Bunny strip and muddler style streamers are go-to patterns on the Kettle and give you the added chance of hooking up with one of the few large brown trout that inhabit the river.
Rates
upper columbia River
$650 for an all day guide, sun up to sun down. We fish out of a 16' Stealthcraft Power Drifter powered by a 60/40 jet outboard. Trips include all gear except waders and boots. Overnight accommodations can be arranged. Lunches are available upon request.
PRIEST River
$650 for an all day guide. We fish out of a NRS raft with a fishing frame. Trips include all gear except waders and boots. Lunches are provided.
Kettle river
$600 for an all day guide. We fish out of a NRS raft with a fishing frame. Trips include all gear except waders and boots. Lunches are provided.
Contact
Hank Jones, owner
Cell: 908-310-5269
Email: INWfishingguides@gmail.com
Or complete the form below