North 40 Fly Shop eMagazine April 2016 | Page 57

Resort, aka the Snakepit. Owner and operator Dustin Stetson can take care of your last minute needs as well as offering some firewood for your overnight camping trip. Shuttles range from $20-30 depending on how far up the river you plan on going. Some of my favorite camping spots are located just past Shoshone base camp. Most of the little dirt pulls off from the river road can offer some incredible hidden campgrounds that allow you to camp for two weeks free of charge. The farther up the CdA River you go, the rawer and more scenic it becomes. Some of my favorite tributaries way up the CdA River include Teepee Creek, Independence Creek, and Jordan Creek. All of these smaller rivers offer incredible walk and wade fishing opportunities with a good chance of landing a true trophy Westslope cutthroat trout. You also have great opportunities at seeing all types of big game including, but not limited to, elk, moose, bear, and deer. If you are trying to decide when to go or what to look for, as far as river flow goes, make sure that you pay close attention to the USGS website. I always try and fish the river when it’s on the drop if possible. As the river drops, water clarity comes back around giving the trout a better look at your fly. One way to figure out which direction the river flow is headed is to visit the USGS website* 12413000 for the CdA River and click on the forecasted river flow. You can get a good idea where the river might be headed over the next few days. If it’s on the rise, you might want to wait a few days, but if it’s on the drop, the time is now. Even if the river is big, as long as there is a couple feet of visibility, fish can be found. "Make sure to stop into North 40 Coeur d Alene with any of your questions before heading up the River." We will be happy to dial in your streamer, nymph, or dry box. We can also give you directions to some boat ramps that are not so well know; customizing your float trip to get away from the "crowds.” Make sure to take some pics of your trophy fish and bring them in for the bragging board. Who knows, you might even have a chance at winning a new fly rod! If you are new to fly fishing or just new to the area, make sure to sign up for our fly fishing 101 classes. We are going to meet once a week in different fishing locations. This is a great time to learn about all aspects of fly fishing, some of our local waters, and meet some new fishing friends as well. Tight lines and I hope to see you around the campfire.