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© 2026 Barbless.co. Flow and gauge data from USGS; weather from Open-Meteo. · v2026.10.18.2

  1. Idaho
  2. Rivers & Lakes
  3. South Fork Coeur d'Alene River

Updated September 2, 2026

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Idaho Rivers › Eastern Idaho

South Fork Coeur d'Alene River

Premier Idaho trout water with diverse seasonal hatches.

Recommended water31 mi · 50 kmFreestone RiverTrout fishery
View on MapGet Directions
Rainbow troutWestslope cutthroat troutMountain whitefishBull trout present/protected in system

A Legendary Idaho Fishery

South Fork from Mullan and Wallace through the Silver Valley mining district to the NF/SF confluence near Kingston. Geographic reach added for map and report coverage; IDFG regulations are grouped under the Coeur d'Alene River system. Historic mining impacts in the Bunker Hill Superfund area, consult IDFG for consumption advisories and reach-specific rules.

Sources: idfg.idaho.gov · usgs.gov

Best Season

May – October

River Type

Freestone

Skill Level

Beginner – Intermediate

Best Techniques

Dry Flies, Nymphing

Access

Moderate

Gauge stations along the South Fork Coeur d'Alene River

Around Elizabeth Park

Main stretch

Around Pine Creek

Around Placer Creek, part 1

Around Placer Creek, part 2

Same gauge as Around Placer Creek, part 1.

More stations on the river

Access

Fish in South Fork Coeur d'Alene River

Explore fish species associated with the South Fork Coeur d'Alene River. Each profile includes identification tips, habitat notes, and practical fishing guidance for Idaho anglers.

Hatches on South Fork Coeur d'Alene River

Review seasonal insect hatches on the South Fork Coeur d'Alene River, including timing windows and fly pattern suggestions for Idaho fly fishing.

Regulations

Check current seasons, limits, and special rules for South Fork Coeur d'Alene River before you go. Regulations change, so always verify with IDFG.

View IDFG Regulations

Guides & Outfitters

Recent conditions on South Fork Coeur d'Alene River

The latest fishing conditions and hatch notes for South Fork Coeur d'Alene River. Older reports live in the South Fork Coeur d'Alene River report archive.

Videos on South Fork Coeur d'Alene River

These YouTube videos have been hand-curated by our team because we feel they best represent the South Fork Coeur d'Alene River fishery. Watch for river character, access context, and techniques that translate to your next Idaho trip.

Photos

Nearby Communities

  • Osburn0.6 mi
  • Silverton2 mi
  • Nuckols2.4 mi
  • Big Creek3.6 mi
  • McCarthy3.8 mi
  • Blackcloud3.9 mi

On this page

Overview
Flows
Live camerasAccessFishHatchesRegulationsGuides & OutfittersVideosPhotosNearby CommunitiesReaches

River Tools

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Map data © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap

Fish in South Fork Coeur d'Alene River

The South Fork Coeur d'Alene River supports 4 fish species in our Idaho fishing catalog. Browse each profile for identification tips, seasonal patterns, and how these species are managed on this water.

  • Bull Trout
    Bull TroutIdaho’s native char: a coldwater apex predator that is protected and must be released.
  • Mountain Whitefish
    Mountain WhitefishA native coldwater scrapper that shines on nymphs when trout fishing slows down.
  • Rainbow Trout
    Rainbow TroutIdaho’s most widespread trout, quick to rise and willing to chase nymphs and small streamers.
  • Westslope Cutthroat Trout
    Westslope Cutthroat TroutIdaho’s native westslope cutthroat thrives in cold, clear mountain rivers and eager dry-fly water.

Other reaches in the Coeur d'Alene River

2 reaches
  • North Fork Coeur d'Alene River

    Trout fishery60 mi · 97 km
  • Coeur d'Alene River

    Mixed warm-water35 mi · 56 km

Videos on South Fork Coeur d'Alene River

These YouTube videos have been hand-curated by our team because we feel they best represent the South Fork Coeur d'Alene River fishery. Watch for river character, access context, and techniques that translate to your next Idaho trip.

No videos
No related videos yet.

Guides & Outfitters

Fishing guides, outfitters, shuttles, and shops that operate on the South Fork Coeur d'Alene River.

No verified providers for this river yet. Browse the full directory.

Access

Live cameras on the South Fork Coeur d'Alene River

South Fork Coeur d Alene River above Placer Creek at Wallace

USGS 12413131 · Oct 18, 2026, 5:00 PM

Every 60 min · daylight

Hatches on South Fork Coeur d'Alene River

The South Fork Coeur d'Alene River has 17 documented insect hatches across spring, summer, fall, and winter. Review seasonal timing and recommended fly patterns to plan productive days on this Idaho water.

Likely hatching

  • Blue-winged olives / Baetis
  • October caddis
  • Mahogany duns

Recommended flies

  • October Caddis
  • Mahogany Dun
  • BWO
  • Soft hackle